How Not To Lose Heart In Leadership

“Exhausted“ is the word many leaders are using in 2021. 

Exhausted from courageously leading others through a global pandemic. Exhausted from gently guiding their team during a divisive political season. Exhausted from carefully navigating the changing schedule of working remotely. 

When not properly dealt with, exhaustion can lead to overwhelming frustration and limited motivation. The result? Leaders are losing heart in leadership. 

So how can you deal with exhaustion so that you do not lose heart in your leadership? The answer is found within the words of Jesus in Luke 18:1. Jesus said, “And He told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.”

Within the parable, and the stories Luke describes in the remaining narrative of chapter 18, we learn three effective ways leaders can avoid losing heart in ministry. 
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• First, concise prayers are all that’s needed. Within the first parable, a widow was pleading with a judge. She continually said in Luke 18:3, “Give me justice against my adversary.” That’s simple and to the point. There’s no lengthy petitions. Masterly words are forgotten. Vulnerable, she cried -  “Help!” This parable was given to teach a lesson: Be vulnerable when you pray, be concise, and don’t lose heart. 
• Secondly, pray through God’s attributes. Luke 18 also describes a man who was blind. As the blind man was begging, Jesus walked along the way. The blind man cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” However, those in front of him told him to be quiet. Not losing heart, the blind man cried even louder, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Son of David is like crying out - King. Majesty. Ruler. Show mercy. 
  The time will come in your leadership that you will face losing heart. Exhausted, you can pray to God. By praying God’s attributes in the middle of your exhaustion, you will remind yourself who He is. He is all-powerful over your exhaustion; He is all-knowing in the midst of your weakness; He is everywhere, at all times, when you are looking for the next step. Praying God’s attributes will lead your heart to recognize the greatness of God in the middle of your exhaustion. 
• Finally, pray for those you lead. The best way you can lead your team, exhausted or not, is to say their name to God when you pray. Lift up the names of their children or grandchildren. Ask God to strengthen their work ethic. Ask God to provide for their needs. As you pray for those you lead, losing heart will be replaced with a caring heart. 

Are you a leader facing exhaustion? Prayer is the key to not losing heart in the middle of exhaustion. May you rest in the all-knowing, all-present, all-powerful God and not lose heart.