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IN HIS FOOTSTEPS: Leadership in Times of Crisis

A Guide to Effective Leadership

Devotion Twenty. July 20, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 46:1-5 

In 2016, our town's churches encountered significant challenges when war broke out in the country. Armed groups linked to opposing factions targeted our area, looting, killing, and arresting people illegally. Many people and church leaders fled into exile, leaving churches without key figures. As one of the few remaining church elders (I was then the head of the evangelism and mission department), I consulted with a pastor, who was physically ill, and a deacon on what steps to take since the church could not operate effectively without a pastor. During one of these meetings, the church appointed me to lead, which partly alleviated the crisis it was facing. 

Given this new role, we had to trust God to help us navigate the challenges ahead. Knowing our limitations, we trusted God to help us. As leaders, we face different types of crises, but how do we step in to manage, guide, and inspire others during such periods of emergency?

Fortunately, God's word offers guidance and comfort during times of crisis. Psalm 46:1 reminds us that in every trouble, God is our refuge and strength. While crises can weaken leadership, we should remember that God remains our refuge and strength in difficult times. 

In my experience, I have learned the importance of inspiring and guiding my followers. It is the leader’s responsibility to lead, manage, and motivate followers when faced with turmoil and uncertainty. I often reminded the remaining church members not to flee until I did so first. This encouragement caused some members who had fled to return from exile after a few months, as it built their courage. 

Moreover, the psalmist further reminds us that God will help those who face tough times when they believe there is no one to support them (Psalm 46:5), because He is always present amid troubles that leaders may not see. Building on this idea, we can trust that God is always with us, even when chaos seems to surround us. 

In times of crisis, let us remember God's presence as our refuge and strength. Let us stand firm and trust Him, encouraging, guiding, managing, and inspiring others during moments of turmoil and uncertainty. May this word guide and comfort us as we lead by example. 

As we reflect, let us consider the words of a former leader of South Africa: “Leaders should lead from the front when there is danger and lead from behind when people celebrate their victory.” Let us lead from the front, trusting in God as our refuge and strength.

QUESTION: As we reflect on leadership in times of crisis, how do people describe you as a leader? Are you the kind of leader who retreats first when danger approaches? What are you going to do differently, having learnt this? 

Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for being our refuge and strength in times of crisis. Help us trust in Your sovereignty and provision as we lead Your people facing different types of crises. We believe in your assurance, so guide us to lead with confidence. In the name of your Son Jesus, my Lord, I pray. 

Amen. 

Key Verse: Psalm 46:5. "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns" (ESV, NKJV).

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