Encouraging a frustrated/hurting leader

Isaiah 40:31 “31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

Strength and renewal come from hope in the Lord. We don’t need to fix ourselves, instead we can run to Him, trusting that He will bring healing and strength.

Its not about getting winded and taking a break. It’s about being strengthened by His power.

James 1:5 “5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

God provides the wisdom we need to navigate the difficult situations. As we look back at hard times, we can ask, “did I turn to the Lord in dependence?” and “How much of what I did came from my ambition/perspective?”

Philippians 4:6–7 “6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Promises peace and reassurance through prayer and trust in God.

1 John 1:9 “9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

We cant aim to control outcomes. We must turn to God and and live with open hands.

To persevere - Hope for the future

1 Peter 5:2–4 “2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

Serve willingly and lead by example, keeping an eye on the eternal perspective.

Galatians 6:9 “9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Persevere - fruit comes in time.

2 Corinthians 4:16–17 “16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,”

Temporary difficulties will end.

Encouragement

Psalm 46:1–3 “1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah”

Romans 12:12 “12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Servant Leadership:

Matthew 20:25–28 “25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.””

John 17:11 “11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.”