Episode 118:

Leading Through Storms – Pausing to Rest

May 5, 2020

You’ve likely heard the phrase, “the calm after the storm.” But how do you find calm during the storm?

After all, the current storm we’re navigating with the COVID-19 pandemic is already (at least) 8 weeks old.

How Long, O Lord?

You might be thinking, “How long will this last?” or “I’m not sure how much more I can take.”

Here’s what we know: This storm is projected to last 12-24 months. 

That’s called a slow-moving storm. When leading through slow-moving storms, pausing to rest is essential. 

Ready for some good news? We are reminded over and over again in scripture about the rhythms of life – six days we work, one day we rest.

However, when you’re learning new technology, scrambling to communicate in new ways, and generally on a steep learning curve, who has time for rest?

You do. 

Jesus and Rest

When the disciples came to Jesus in Matthew 8, here is what we read:

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. (Matthew 8:23-27)

Where was Jesus? Sleeping.

If the Son of God can pause to rest, so can you.

If Jesus needs to pause, so do you.

Jesus was sleeping in the midst of a storm. Now, don’t take it out of context as “he is absent from responsibility.” That’s NOT leadership. Leaders know what is important, what they value. Courageous leaders know that their values drive their behaviors.

What you Value Drives Your Behavior

As a Christian leader, is your faith important to you? What behaviors are exhibited by the value of faith? Is pausing to rest one? If not, why not?

Join us for this episode as we explore these questions – and more. We’ll remind you of the importance of pausing to rest during a storm, how our emotions get offloaded when we don’t pause and look to Jesus to translate our values into behaviors.