English
Korean
Spanish
Every once in a while, I’ll have an opportunity to sit down with someone who has gone before me and has the ability to infuse leadership lessons into my life over lunch or a cup of coffee. These moments are special and can be transformative.
In February, I had lunch with a new friend who, unbeknownst to him, impacted me greatly. Gary Cook is the former president and current chancellor at Dallas Baptist University. I sat and listened to him share amazing stories of God’s provision and guidance as we ate. Anytime I get to sit and listen to men of God who have given their lives to leadership in ministry, I am blessed.
“If you could go back,” I asked him, “what would you do differently?”
His answer has remained on my mind every day since.
“I would have prayed more,” he said.
I wanted to know more, so I asked him to explain. He said he has always known that everything he has been called to lead has belonged to the Lord. Because of this, he said, “I learned to pray about everything—every decision, big and small. Every conversation I was to have, I took it to the Lord and said, ‘God, this is yours. What would you have me do?’”
That exchange may not sound like a big deal to many, but for me and the ministry the Lord allows me to lead, it was exactly what I needed to hear. You see, we often pray about the big decisions, the big conflicts, the big needs. However, this was such a good reminder that it all belongs to the Lord, and we should constantly ask what He wants us to do with both big and small things. Paul writes in Romans 12:12, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
I have been meditating on that Scripture since I left that lunch meeting. I can be joyful because of the hope that is in Jesus! As trials and challenges come, I can be patient as He works them out while I am constantly in prayer and consistently seeking what He wants in my life and through my leadership. It was a strong reminder that I need to be praying without ceasing about all things, not just the big or immediate things in my life.
Conversations like that are such a blessing. They stretch us and challenge us to strive to be more like Jesus. I want to encourage you with a couple of thoughts. First, find someone who has gone before you—someone with more life experience—and, as you sit with them, listen and learn. It will shape you into a better leader.
Second, pray about everything. We are faced with challenges, conversations, and decisions every day. As a child of God, it all belongs to Him. I left that lunch more eager to seek the heart of God about everything. I believe in my life and yours, we will see what He wants more clearly as we seek Him. I love you and am honored to serve you!
