Always there
I know this might surprise you, but even HitchHikers get discouraged every once in a while. I can hear you now, “No, say it isn’t so HitchHiker! Isn’t your motto ‘Don’t Panic?'” Yes, it happens, but 42 always has a way of dropping (or slamming) little hints (or boulders) on me during morning reflection time with him.
One morning last week, I was anxious about stuff. I turned to one of my daily devotionals: Through the Bible*Through the Year by John Stott. That morning, we stopped in for coffee with Esther and Uncle Mordecai.
And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14 esv
Then 42 whispers in my ear, “Didn’t we just spend the last three days on the six characteristics of a Christian leader as revealed by Nehemiah?”
Below are those six characteristics with my notes in parenthesis. But they don’t have to be exclusive to Christian leaders.
- A leader has a clear vision. (be dissatisfied with what is, and have a clear grasp of what could be)
- A leader feels deeply about his vision. (cultivate a mix of passion and compassion)
- A leader seeks support from both God and human beings. (pray for God’s guidance and sow seeds of support from others)
- A leader develops a realistic plan. (a dreamer must become a thinker, planner, and worker)
- A leader attracts a following. (take initiative, but encourage others to walk and work alongside you)
- A leader refuses to be discouraged. (detractors will almost always come; persevere through the challenges)
On that morning, it was the last one that jumped out and smacked me! “Okay, Lord; now you’re just messing. Point delivered…with a sledgehammer!”
See what having coffee with Jesus every morning can get you?!
SEARCHING FOR 42 