As leaders, we have this inner desire to see change happen quickly. Sitting back and waiting is not in our DNA. We see a need, and we are often already thinking about a plan to fix it with a pathway to make a difference. As Christ-following leaders, we even ask for God's guidance in solving the issue we are confronting.
But what happens when we think God is moving too slow?
In my leadership life, I have realized that I am an impatient leader. Here is the cycle:
- I see a problem that needs fixing.
- My mind begins to generate thoughts on what to do.
- It dawns on me that I need to talk to God about it. I pray, but my prayers are not about surrendering the issue to God. They are more about telling Him what He needs to do. Then I get frustrated when my prayers aren't answered as quickly as I think they should be.
- I engage in new ideas or actions, failing to wait on His timing. I think I'm doing the right thing because my efforts will get it done. Yet again, I need to go back and trust God's timing.
This cycle becomes an ongoing struggle for control in the life of the leader.
Peter was this type of leader. He could see issues that needed attention. Peter was impulsive enough to go after it, but many times, he jumped ahead of God's timing, trying to do the right things at the wrong time. In his mind, Peter trusted Jesus as the Son of God, but his passions led to impulsive words and actions.
But all that changed with the moment in the courtyard shortly before Jesus was executed. Peter denied even knowing Jesus, let alone following Him. As the rooster let out a crow, it must have felt like a scream to Peter. Luke 22:61(NIV) says that Jesus turns and looked straight at Peter. The impulsive, impatient leader experienced brokenness. Oh, he was still impatient and impulsive. Remember how Peter got up and ran to the tomb when the others didn't believe the tomb was empty (Luke 24:12, NIV)? But Peter allowed the Lord to lead him into becoming a patient disciple. Later, Jesus told His followers not to leave Jerusalem, but to instead wait for the gift God promised. Peter stayed, received God's blessing, and was part of one of the most incredible gospel-advancing moments ever recorded.
How does an impulsive leader become an intentional leader?
For me, I remind myself often of these words from Leonard Sweet's book I Am a Follower: "To lead well, I need first to learn how to follow even better because followership is the beginning of faithful leadership." A great leader begins as a great follower.
The truth is, impatient leaders are hard to follow. Learning to follow may feel like you're slowing down; but in reality, God may be allowing those behind you to chatch up! Where are you acting impulsively in your leadership? Are people stuggling to keep up? Maybe it's time to slow down, talk to God, and wait for His timing. If God allowed you to see a problem, don't worry; He is at work. Keep following Jesus, wait for God's blessing, and be part of what He is doing. Who knows; perhaps it will be one of the most gospel-advancing moments ever recorded.
At NNYM we love the quote: "If you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together..." don't run ahead of THE ONE whom you follow.