Steps to Personal Development: Step IN
Over the past few weeks, Monday Meditations has been looking at “Steps to PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT” and the four steps that we, as Corpath members, can take to ensure we move wisely, intentionally and on purpose as the Holy Spirit leads us. This is the last edition of the series.
Requirement: Courage, Faith, Decisiveness
“Shrout! Get in there and make something happen!”
I remember those rather direct and loud words from my high school football coach during a game against one of our arch-rivals. Traditionally, I played as a receiver on offence but, after struggling for the first half of the game, the coach added cornerback (defence) as part of my responsibilities. I spent the rest of the game on the field playing both ways, offence, and defence. I guess the coach had faith in my abilities that day. He needed my active and committed engagement to help make something happen that would stimulate the team.
Q: In your life, what examples do you have when it was requested of you to “make something happen”?
As I look back in my professional and personal life, I can recall many other times that I have heard similar requests.
“We need you to take on this leadership role until we find a replacement.”
“We need you to go to this market and launch a new product.”
“We need you to fly to this city to assess the potential of a partnership with this company.”
“We need you to assess the problem and propose a solution.”
“We need you to come and handle your father’s affairs.”
“Our keynote speaker can’t make it; we need you to speak in two hours.”
There are many more examples I could give, but this list is sufficient. Although each of these requests is unique, they all have one specific similarity:
They required me to act without knowing what I was fully getting into.
Leaders are always being put into positions that require them to act or do something, before knowing or understanding the full context or scope of the situation. When we are called to step IN to a situation, we might do so for the purpose of stimulating or motivating a team or creating an alternate outcome to something that looks like it is headed in the wrong direction.
Stepping IN sometimes requires us to be vulnerable. We are willing to put all on the line for the sake of a positive outcome, but it could cost us something in the process. That’s where courage is helpful. It also requires us to believe there is a greater good to be achieved and know that when God calls, He has already prepared the way even when we cannot see it. That’s where faith is needed. Often when God calls us, He needs us to do something immediately. There’s no time for waffling. That’s where decisiveness is required.
I can think of many times in scripture when God called others to act, or step IN, without knowing the full story. He called others to STEP IN:
the river (Joshua 3:1-17)
the fire (Daniel 3:1-30)
the lion’s den (Daniel 6:1-28)
to deliver a message and face opposition (1 Kings 18:1-46)
to battle (David with Goliath, 1 Samuel 17:1-50)
Take a moment and read one of these stories right now. Then, commit to reading one of each of these stories each day this week.
In each of these situations, God required someone to “get in there and make something happen”. He didn’t divulge all the information or explain everything He was about to do. He simply needed others to have faith, bring courage, and make quick decisions. As they did so, He protected them and used their faith, courage, and decisiveness to fulfil His purpose, deliver His message and prove His sovereignty.
Q: In what areas are you being asked to “step IN”, or “make something happen”? What will you do?
Isaiah 43:1-3 says, “But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.” (NLT)
Growing in faith and in business often requires us to step UP, BACK, DOWN and IN.
This week, step wisely by following in His footsteps.
Prayer:
My God, I approach You boldly as Your child. I ask that You direct my steps this week. Let me not be so set in my ways that I choose my own path over Yours. Remind me to have faith and courage as You lead me IN to every situation this week. In Your name, amen.
Steve Shrout
President
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached to this email is a printable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development and SPIRITUAL growth.
