47 nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Likewise, Isaiah 40:28-31 clearly indicates that God is in control for believers even when adversity may seem insurmountable: The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. In addition to these beliefs about God’s love, compassion, and power, it is also quite important that a leader believe that God has a purpose in all things. This purpose in the midst of pain and suffering is explained by Paul in Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Likewise, this sentiment is echoed in the story of the exiled Israelites and the prophetic words of Jeremiah: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11). These beliefs about God’s purpose, character, love, and power help the leader find meaning in adversity and give the leader a strong sense of groundedness in the midst of the storms of life.3 In addition to having a deep understanding of who God is, it is also important for the Christian leader to understand who God made him/ her to be. John Stott argues that the leader who is ready to be truly blessed by the Lord’s presence is one who follows the outline set forth in the Beatitudes in Matthew 5.4 Thus, the person who is “poor in spirit” (verse 3) and understands his/her spiritual bankruptcy before a holy God is ready to mourn for not only themselves, but the plight of others (verse 4). This causes the Christian to be meek (verse 5) and to hunger and thirst for both a right relationship with God and with one’s neighbors (verse 6). Thereafter, in one’s dealings with others, the Christian is positioned to be blessed by God’s gifts of mercy (verse 7), a pure heart (verse 8), and a spirit of peacemaking (verse 9). This type of mindset that is rooted in a desire to be “blessed” by God’s indwelling LEADING ONESELF AND OTHERS IN CRISIS SITUATIONS
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