Leading in Tough Times: Be a Light in Darkness

Although we may be surrounded by adversity in many areas of our lives, everyone is dealing with tough times.  Many think we have no control and allow that dark cloud to hang over us. Sometimes we allow those clouds to dictate our performance or emotions, rather than decide to take action to press on to break through the darkness.

Sure it is understandable that there are events or clouds in our lives that are out of our control and we absolutely are unable to change.  It is expected that life does not consist of only comfort.  The opposite of comfort is suffering.  However, in general circumstances, there exists a certain amount of resistance when faced with gloomy times or clouds in which we are able to break through.

It is during those times of suffering when all can be like strong men in tough times.  Tough times don’t last but tough people do.  You can take that opportunity to shine to be light in darkness.  We do have a choice on whether or not to allow adversity to cloud and darken our posture.

First of all, however, you must understand and know as to what you have been enlisted.  We are all unique in that we do have our own individual strengths, weaknesses, talents, and gifts.

We all can be praying God’s promises in tough times.  There are bible verses for tough times, as I recently heard and read in Chapter  Two of The Second Book of Timothy that we can all suffer as soldiers, all suffer as athletes, and all suffer as farmers.

Are you suffering like a,

• SOLDIER? — When they enlist, they are given assignments from their commander.  They expect suffering, hardship, difficulties, tough times while in the course of completing it.  It is expected that they will not be comfortable without pain. They must stay focused on what they have been called to do.
• ATHLETE? – They suffer on the treadmill, must run on the track, necessary to work with the weights, train months to qualify and prepare for the Olympics.  There is pain in the physical body with aches and pains to build muscle and endurance.  Anybody who cheats in the preparation, suffers in the competition. They have to follow the rules.  When they persevere when they know what is required, they will get the prize.
• FARMER? – They wait patiently during a season of hard work.  Because of their diligence in toiling the land, they eventually will receive the fruit of their labor.

If the soldier is listening to someone else who is more influential than the one who is his superior, he has to remember as to who is the one that initially enlisted him.

If the athlete breaks the rules while he escapes the necessary pain to physically train in order to stay comfortable, he has to recognize that he is not following what is required.

If the farmer does not go through the course of laboring and waiting, there will be no fruit as no work was done.

Breaking Through the Clouds

Regardless of what you are called to do, if you are leading in tough times and do not get entangled, you will stand out and SHINE among those who do not. Tough times never last but tough people do.

Remember, however, you have to KNOW what you are called to do.  Everyone has their own gifts and talents.  If you do not have certain abilities, you perhaps need to re-evaluate.

If you are a muscular football player, I do not think you will compete successfully as a horseback racer. If you are a ballerina dancer, I do not think you were intended to be hunting on a safari.

The essentials, no matter what area or goal that you have, if you want to be breaking through the clouds, be a light in darkness in whatever you decide,

Be like the soldier – STAY FOCUSED
Be like the athlete – FOLLOW THE RULES
Be like the farmer – BE DILIGENT TO WORK

Apply this to your business, personal goals, or any other plans that you have, then you will definitely SHINE and be a light in darkness regardless of how dark those tough times or clouds can be.

Have an blessed day!

Tags: breaking through the clouds, clouds, Leading in tough times, light in darkness, nelly paekukui, shine in darkness