Courage to Lead: Are you listening?

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I need strategy. I don’t know about you, but I believe that we live in a day and age where if we aren’t strategic with the heart of our children, in the way we serve and love others, in the way we minister and use our gifts, that we might miss the target.

But do you know how an abiding leader gets strategy? They have to learn how to listen.

Do you know people who finish your sentences? They always say the last word of your sentence with you? Or before you’re finished talking they already know what the answer to your half spoken question is? I don’t know about you, but a lot of times I just quit talking. I’m not really being heard, seen, so why bother talking.

Leaders that see walls fall learn how to listen. And they know it is vital because they know it is where strategy comes from.

God gave Joshua such specific strategy for the walls of Jericho to fall. It seemed odd, but Joshua knew, God had spoken it and each step was necessary.

I have five children. Five children I didn’t birth. Five children I don’t have a full shared history with. Five children I don’t have memory of all of the ups and downs, first walks and first pulled teeth. And I now have four teenagers. I am in desperate need of strategy!

There are days when the enormity of the number of children alone can overwhelm me. But I have learned that in abiding God provides everything I need. Because abiding creates an atmosphere for listening, and listening creates an atmosphere for strategy.

Friends God has placed you where you are. You are not there by chance. But without learning to listen so that you can get His strategy you may not see the impact He has created for you to see. God needs listeners. And you and I need walls to fall. Sounds like a perfect combination.

Denise Jones Reclaiming Hearts

Hi, I’m Denise!

I love Jesus, my family and friends, my sweet dog Sophie, SEC football and Coca-Cola.