Leaders are not victims to circumstance – they take charge of every situation and fulfill their call

People frequently feel powerless and victim to changing circumstances.  Leadership take charge of every situation and fulfill their task, paving a way for others to follow after.

This short introductory video by De Waal Esterhuizen shares how he grew in responsibility and authority of what is entrusted to him.

Scripture

Mark 4:36-41

36  Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37  And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38  But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39  Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40  But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41  And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

Observation and reflection questions

1. The disciples were in the boat fearing drowning at sea. How did Jesus take charge of the stormy sea and wind? (verse 39)
2. Jesus asked the disciples , “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (verse 40). What did he mean by asking this?

Application and Prayer

Jesus took charge of the storm and ensured they reaches their destination.  He taught the disciples a valuable lesson in not succumbing to fear or victimhood but to take charge of every situation, starting with the faith in their mouth.

Mark 11:23  “For assuredly, I [Jesus] say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.’”

1. List the situation in your life which are out of control, either personal life or political situation or business ventures.
2. Pray and ask God to reveal his will in each of these situations. Declare yourself servant to Him and ask for his leading. Ask that God will fill your heart with faith.
3. Do what Jesus modelled (Mark 4:36-40) and what Jesus instructed (Mark 11:23) – take charge of the situation in prayer, declaring what must happen. After speaking to God, speak to the “mountain” with faith.
4. It might be helpful to pray together with one or more mature Christians; pray until there is results or until there is a sense of breakthrough in the Holy Spirit.

Note: I have found that although most people know Proverbs 18:20-21 below very few practice the discipline of declaration – to take charge of situations in the spirit – and therefore they lack “the fruit” thereof and continue to live as victims of circumstance.  Don’t be one of them – be a leader who takes charge of every situation and fulfill your call in the Lord.

Proverbs 18:20-21 “A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth, from the produce of his lips he shall be filled.  Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”