Every leader has days when problems and perplexities arise and the future looks dark. There are times when it seems there is no way around, or through, or over the difficulties with which we are con fronted. At such times we must depend upon God to show us the way. He will not forsake us. His promises are ours to claim. "With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding" (Job 12:13).
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden," our great Burden Bearer invites us, "and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matt. 11:28-30). Let me share with you, fellow leader, some of the precious promises of God. They are precious in your hour of need!
Promises of help. Rest from your burdens, wisdom for the decisions you must make, strength to carry the load He has placed upon you, counsel and understanding to cope with the problems of each day, have been promised. What blessed assurance! "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous," is the precious assurance, "and his ears are open unto their cry" (Ps. 34:15).
"Christ will succor those who flee to Him for wisdom and strength. If they meet duty and trial with humility of soul, depending upon Jesus, His mighty angel will be round about them, and He whom they have trusted will prove an all-sufficient helper in every emergency." —Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 599.
"Men in positions of responsibility are in danger of becoming crushed under the many burdens that they bear, but the Lord does not press on anyone burdens too heavy to be borne. He estimates every weight before He allows it to rest upon the hearts of those who are laborers together with Him. To every one of His workers our loving heavenly Father says: 'Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.' Psalm 55:22. Let the burden bearers believe that He will carry every load, great or small." —Ibid., vol. 7, p. 297.
Trials teach us our dependence upon Him. In dark hours turn to precious Jesus for help and guidance. "The Lord frequently places us in difficult positions to stimulate us to greater exertion. In His providence special annoyances some times occur to test our patience and faith. God gives us lessons of trust. He would teach us where to look for help and strength in time of need. Thus we obtain practical knowledge of His divine will, which we so much need in our life experience. Faith grows strong in earnest conflict with doubt and fear." —Ibid., vol. 4, pp. 116, 117.
God is to be our counselor. Counsel with our fellow workers and leaders is a must. "In the multitude of counsellors there is safety" (Prov. 11:14). But we must ever re member that our surest source of help is in the Lord.
"We are prone to look to our fellow men for sympathy and uplifting, instead of looking to Jesus. In His mercy and faithfulness God often permits those in whom we place I confidence to fail us, in order that we may learn the folly of trusting in man and making flesh our arm. Let us trust fully, humbly, unselfishly in God." —The Ministry of Healing, p. 486.
We are not left alone. "Do not worry. The work is under the super vision of the blessed Master. All He asks is that the workers shall come to Him for their orders, and obey His directions. All parts of the work our churches, missions, Sabbath schools, institutions are carried upon His heart. Why worry? The intense longing to see the church imbued with life must be tempered with entire trust in God; for 'without me,' said the great Bur den Bearer, 'ye can do nothing.' 'Follow me.' He leads the way; we are to follow." —Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 298.
Jesus assures the troubled leader: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Matt. 28:20).
"When we are brought into strait places, we are to depend on God. We are to exercise wisdom and judgment in every action of life, that we may not, by reckless movements, place ourselves in trial.... But when, after following His directions, we are brought into strait places, He will deliver us. We are not to give up in discouragement, but in every emergency we are to seek help from Him who has infinite resources at His command." —The Desire of Ages, p. 369.
Fellow leader, these promises are for you. God had your need especially in mind when He gave them. You are the object of His supreme regard. He would not have you be come discouraged when the way is hard. Trust Him, claim His promises. Move forward courageously. He will carry you through.