Good morning-before-Thanksgiving, Servant Leader. I hope those on the continent are well and ready for a feast! We have much to be thankful for this year. This blog is a little different than my usual, but if you stick with me to the end, you'll see how it fits.
As many of you now know, I started my Thanksgiving week by announcing that I have shifted employment from full-time corporate to independent consultant. Why now? Why during the holidays? Why embrace instability?
Because I am.
"I am" holds a double meaning for me as an experienced, professional servant leader. First and foremost, "I am" is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. "I am" is my God, my protector, and my provider. So, it is only fitting that I have been studying Exodus this month.
And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ (Exod 3:14, NKJV)
Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” (John 8:58, NKJV)
The answer to "why now, during the holidays" comes from "I am." If the God of the universe is also my protector and provider, then why not now, during the holidays?
If you've read my blog for any length of time, you understand that I've said several times that hardship and trials test our faith, but that we're never alone and that the One who holds us in His hands is faithful to His word. But I always said that from a comfortable, employed, well protected position. Now that I am unemployed, can I say the same thing? Can I step out in faith and trust that God will lead me to a future that advances His Kingdom and empowers me to lead the way He built me and to serve the way He commands?
Yes, because He is and because of the second meaning of "I am."
I am qualified.
I am capable.
I am experienced.
But more than that...
I am faithful that the education, experiences, and relationships that He has cultivated in me over the last 30 years will bear fruit.
And I am confident that my service to this industry has been valued in the past and will be valuable in the future.
So, Servant Leader, whenever you find yourself in uncharted waters, unfamiliar territory, or on an unplanned path, look forward, not back. Your past is the foundation on which your future is built, but your future is where your faith is proven.
Finally, remember Romans 8:28.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (NKJV)
And be thankful.
