Thriving Where God has Placed You

Call to me and I will answer you…

Jeremiah 33:3

Successful businessman Ray Kroc once said, The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves. This is certainly true of those of us who have been called and trusted with the awesome responsibility of declaring the gospel to the non-believers and discipling believers.

What does it take to thrive and not just survive in ministry today? Here are six guidelines that I believe can help a leader thrive where God has placed them.

1. Make prayer a priority in your life. It is amazing how taking time to pray about everything will provide direction and dynamic as a leader.

‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

Jeremiah 33:3

2. Maintain a compelling vision. Make sure you know the direction you are going. Make it known with purpose and passion.

And the Lord answered me, and said, 'Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.'

Habakkuk 2:2

3. Manage your time wisely. This may be the most challenging of the guidelines; learning to develop a life calendar that helps you use the 168 hours a week that God has given you. This will help you find the balance of labor and leisure.

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

4. Measure criticism sensibly. Like you, I have little time for negative critics. However, I have learned a few things from people who have been able to provide insight and correction. Learn to listen and then ask the Holy Spirit to help you filter out the bad and embrace the good.

Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.

Proverbs 15:31

5. Manifest a spirit of joy. Joy is contagious as well as discouragement is contagious. As a leader choose the joy of the Lord. Yes, weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning!

A happy heart makes the face cheerful…

Proverbs 15:13

6. Move in faith, not fear. Leadership often calls on us to go places we have not necessarily gone before. Don’t allow fear to keep you from the opportunities and new experiences that God has for you.

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.

Hebrew 11:8

I am praying this will be your most fruitful and fulfilling season of ministry. Stay firm in the faith and thrive.

Call to me and I will answer you…

Jeremiah 33:3