Leading change is one of the most difficult and important tasks of leadership. Yet it is something God calls each of his leaders to do. God came to Moses and told him they he and Israel had been going around the same mountain long enough and that it was time to "break camp and advance" into their future (see Deut.1:6-7). God wants us to be his "change agents." So often we settle far from where God wants us to be so he comes down to shake us out of our complacency and into a fresh vision for a better future.
Leading change is not easy and we need lots of faith, courage, and wisdom to do it well – in an effective and God-honouring manner. [Click here to read an article I wrote early last year on Leading Your Church through Change, which contains an excellent model for leading change from Nehemiah]
Those who study change tell us that it is not the changes that kill us but the transitions. It was one thing for Moses to get Israel out of Egypt with God's help. It was a totally different thing to get Israel throughthe wilderness and into the Promised Land. In fact, many of them didn't make it.
The most insightful contemporary thinker and writer on this vital subject is William Bridges. His book Managing Transitions contains a wealth of wisdom for anyone leading or experiencing change. Click here for an extended summary I did of this excellent book many years ago.
Experiencing change is like letting go of one trapeze and you still haven't taken hold of the next one. That's a scary feeling! it requires trust in God that he will not let us fall and that there is a new trapeze for us to lay hold of.
To change the metaphor, there is a new season and a new chapter after the close of this season and chapter. God is a God of movement. May he give us grace to keep in step with him. We don't know what tomorrow holds but we do know who holds tomorrow in his hands. He is the ALPHA (the beginning) and the OMEGA (the end). He has begun a good work in each one of us and he will complete it (Phil.1:6). We can sleep at night because of that assurance.
Unknowingly we road users travel many transitions each day as we drive along the highways.
They are what helps us move smoothly from a straight into a curve and back out into the straight.
I won’t bore with the details but without them we would find it a rather unpleasant experience and would probably see many more crashes as people literally run out of road.
I have often marvelled at just how well God does things and when we participate the changes we face in life are ‘eased’ by His supply of bountiful goodness in all circumstances.
I’m not denying there may well be pain, difficulty etc.
So as I drive along the highways and arterial roads and realise how smoothly the vehicle went around the bend I’m reminded of how beautifully God helps us in our journey as lifes circumstances changes direction before me.
Musings from one who has setout many a road with hope those coming after me may have a pleasant experience.
We would like to thank you for your openness and transparency at this difficult time and commend you for your courage in carrying out these difficult decisions.
We will continue to pray for our church and the leaders and intend to keep tithing and giving as God enables us.
The world financial situation has affected many – my husband lost his job in senior management some months ago, but continued to faithfully tithe – (praise God, he now has employment again). However, for many, the loss of employment or reduction in working hours/wages has meant less ability to give.
We believe that God will turn this situation around for His glory and the good of His people. He has a plan….
Anne (& Bruce) Allford.
Hi Anne.
The Kingdom of God commends faithful servants such as you, who have the right heart attitude, and hold out faithfully till the end. You are an inspiration!
Even in the midst of these troubled times… victorious we stand because of Jesus.
This too shall pass…
My God shall supply all your needs (not wants) according to His glorious riches by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)
Have an awesome day.
“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” ~Albert Einstein
May we continue joining hands in unity and love to work together in building
God’s Kingdom for His glory and finish strong.
Enjoy this encouraging motivational movie.
Copy to your browser and be inspired.
http://www.finishstrongmovie.com/index.html
We will continue to pray for our church and the leaders and intend to keep tithing and giving as God enables us. Anne Allford
Indeed, it is our duty to uphold the Church at this time when the economy has affected so many.
I strongly believe that the Church of Jesus Christ should not be under the influence of what the world was going through. If we look at the world and all that it has to offer, then we are doomed. For the world has failed already.
However, when we look at the Word and believe what the Lord said then we shall overcome and be saved.
When I read Romans 8, I found that there is nothing that Our Beloved Lord Jesus cannot overcome. The question is, “Whose report do you believe? The world or the Word? It is your choice. The report you meditate in will either be life or death. Prosperity or poverty.”
We Christians are not govern by dictates of the world but by the Word of God. The Lord God has given us His Word that we can have life and have it more abundantly-spiritually, financially, sccially and physically.
As for me, I shall serve the Lord and abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Joshua 24:15 Psalm 91:1
Blessings!!!
Stephen
Good on you Stephen. That is the kind of attitude and faith God is pleased with 🙂 Keep on faithfully praying and tithing my friend. We give to God only a part of what righfully belongs to Him anyway. All we have belongs to Him. He is the giver of all things good.
Came across this Bible verse while reading the daily Bible reading today. I thought it was an appropriate encouragement for us now.
“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
Looks like a good read in my present occupation, I have added it to my amazon list for future purchase.
Also hoping the changes to book importing mean that more good books are available down under at a reasonable price, otherwise I will continue to purchase at Amazon.