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IN HIS FOOTSTEPS: Leading Through Adversity

A Guide to Effective Leadership

Devotion Twenty-one. July 21, 2025

Job 1:20-22 

Frankly speaking, do you know that no leader wants to face an adverse situation? However, it is impossible to avoid adversity in leadership. While in leadership, we face times of crisis and conflict-related issues, and the worst that can attack us directly is adversity. A friend or relative could be a source of adversity to your leadership, working hard to ruin you so that you give up on the people you lead or on God. 

Given this reality, let us look at Job's remarkable example. The Bible speaks of Job, one of the richest men to have lived in those days, who went through a series of adversities that would have justified denying God. However, after hearing about the tragedies that befell him, Job arose, rent his mantle, shaved his head, and on his knees, he worshipped God (1:20). He also blessed the name of God instead of cursing Him—a crucial lesson. 

Building on Job's example, we learn that as leaders, when we face adversaries, we should bless the name of God and worship Him alone. By doing so, we value adversaries as a way of drawing our purpose, vision, and objectives closer to God. This would help us build our faith in Him, and He would establish our plans. 

Reflecting on my own experience, I have faced adversities that almost made me lose faith. It forced me to resign from leadership, but upon realising the impacts of my decision, I reclaimed the office, and soon things returned to normalcy. This experience taught me that as leaders, we should follow Job's faith, increase our reverence for God, and bless and serve Him for His sovereignty and providence.

So, how can we apply this lesson in our daily lives? When adversity comes, remember that it can take many forms. Your unbelieving spouse may oppose you, or church members may conspire against you. But be like Job, who stood the test despite his wife's and friends' accusations. Continuously worship God, bless and serve Him wholeheartedly, and your adversaries will be ashamed in the end. 

As we wrap up, consider this important question: When you face adversity, what will you do as a leader in your church? Imagine someone in a key position is intending to commit suicide due to the diverse adversities he faces. How will you help such a person? Remember, do not blame God because you face adversity; instead, lead through adversity with faith and wisdom. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for encouraging me through Job to remain faithful, worship, bless, and serve You worthily in the face of adversities. Give me wisdom and strength when I feel foolish and weakened by adversities to serve and lead Your people. All this I pray, trusting in Your sovereignty. Amen.

 


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