There's Power In Lonely Moments
As a leader, there are moments when we experience extreme loneliness. Sometimes these moments can be relieved by relying on a small, trusted group with decisions or a larger group for broader conclusions.
The most challenging situations, however, are when a leader must act alone, and there is no way to share with anyone. These are moments of deep conviction that the decision to be made is ours alone. These don't happen frequently, but they do happen. In these moments, we realize the importance of being near God.
The Bible mentions two great leaders who were alone in making important decisions, Jesus and Abraham. Jesus, in his agony in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-39), went with his disciples to pray. In verse 36, he says, "Sit here while I go there to pray." He then takes Peter and Zebedee's two sons and says to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." (verse 38) Jesus moves further away and prays to the Father to remove this cup of suffering from him. This decision to be with the Father and make this request was his alone, and during that time, he distances himself from everyone else. Have you ever wondered if Peter heard Jesus' prayer?
Abraham was also a leader who had his moment of lonely decision in Genesis 22. With whom could he share this decision to kill or sacrifice his child? Talk to Sarah? Talk to his advisers? I imagine Sarah hearing from her husband that he is going to kill Isaac, the son of promise. I believe that Sarah and the elders would have thought he was crazy and would do anything to stop him from obeying God. It was his moment of decision and his alone.
Peace in the Body of Christ is the cause God has directed me to pursue. I approached Him in solitude after feeling burdened to do so. Leader, there are times when it's you, God, and no one else. Lean into these moments and watch your leadership become more focused and purposeful.
Antonio Mendes
Church and Ministry Leadership Consultant
Comments