Leading with Joy in Trying Times
John Houston
Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith (through experience) produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4 AMP
Many of us have to find some ways to deal with setbacks. “Joy” may not be the word that comes to mind when you think about facing trials. But choosing joy determines how we think and react to challenges.
God is the true source of joy.
Many circumstances bring us joy. Weddings, births, hobbies, accomplishments, friends, or vacations often make us happy. But, ultimately, God is our only real source of lasting peace and joy. What’s crazy is that because God never changes, we can have joy even in the most trying times.
Trying times can make us better leaders.
Trials are difficult and painful. But they exist for a purpose and have the potential to produce something good in us. James challenges us to have the right heart and mind toward trials. We can take comfort in knowing God is with us; if we let Him, He will develop us through what we experience.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strengths of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
Romans 5:3-4 NLT
Trials develop our character, giving us the stamina and endurance to steward what God has placed in our hands – our relationships, businesses, budgets, and employees. We can “consider it nothing but joy” when facing challenging situations because we know they strengthen our faith as we learn to depend on God and trust Him to bring us through business and personal challenges.
I’m not saying there aren’t real challenges before us. But, with changes and instability in the market, we can intentionally choose to focus on God and His goodness. We can acknowledge discouragement or fear without giving in to it. Remember, God is with you and will never leave or forsake you.
Pressing into God.
I’m so thankful we serve a faithful God who promises to walk with us and give us His wisdom. Without His guidance, we can’t be the leaders He’s called us to be. God has proven over and over that when we surrender and choose to focus on Him, He grows us and helps us do way more than we could ever do on our own.
These days, it’s even more critical to meditate on God’s Word and spend time in prayer. Only God gives true wisdom and perspective. When we look to Him, take on a joyful attitude, and serve Him and others to the best of our ability, we know we will come out stronger on the other side, and God will be glorified through us.