It has just been one of those seasons in my life. Not being a person who ever lacks confidence this is a unique place to go through. Maybe you can relate. You may have gone through a season of close calls, several job opportunities that went to others else. It shakes you the first time, the sixth time you wonder didn’t I shower, what the heck is going on? I wish I had some inspiring words of wisdom to share with you, but I don’t. Things happen for a reason. Doors close for a purpose. Nothing in life happens in a vacuum. If you doubt your gifts, wondering if you have lost your leadership edge, feeling stuck in neutral as the world speeds by I pray this post will help you regain that mojo. This will be a different approach.  Today I will share quotes from other leaders. These helped me, it is possible they will inspire you.

1. Take a Step back and Reconnect with God.

One of my favorite Biblical accounts is the story of Elijah, the prophet. What sometimes gets lost in his story is after a major victory over the prophets of Baal, Elijah had a leadership meltdown maybe even a major bout with depression. He is held up in a cave when God comes looking for him. Here is a portion of that interaction.

“The Lord’s word came to him and said, “Why are you  here, Elijah?”

10 Elijah replied, “I’ve been very passionate for the Lord God of heavenly forces because the Israelites have abandoned your covenant. They have torn down your altars, and they have murdered your prophets with the sword. I’m the only one left, and now they want to take my life too!”

11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand at the mountain before the Lord. The Lord is passing by.” 1 Kings 19

 

As a leader, there are times when you may seem to lose your way after all things, a major win. No matter why you are feeling off-kilter or lost, the first step in your recovery is to reconnect with God. Listen to His still small voice. It is possible the reason you are experiencing what you are is you have gone down the wrong path, or your path is about to change.

 

2. Do Not Let Your Feelings Betray You.  

Confidence is  a feeling. You cannot be measured by it, but when you lack it, others can perceive this emotion. As Eleanor Roosevelt said: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent”. My mom always told me “fake it till you make it”. Sometimes as a leader, you just need to fake confidence, until you get it back. The qualities God endowed you with to lead have not vanished. Reconnect with the Almighty and figure out how and where He wants to use you next. It is possible you are looking and serving in the wrong place. As one great leader points out, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” -John Quincy Adams

Don’t allow your situation or circumstances to stop you from being what you were created to do for the kingdom. Be patient your time and opportunity will come. Until then keep inspiring others to dream.

 

3. Adjust Your Sails to Pick up where the Wind Leads You.

 

If you are feeling stuck and unproductive, it is possible you have set your sails in the wrong direction. For Elijah, he had to hear God’s voice in the quiet. He was being reassigned. Listen.

But the Lord wasn’t in the fire. After the fire, there was a sound. Thin. Quiet. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his coat. He went out and stood at the cave’s entrance. A voice came to him and said, “Why are you here, Elijah?”

14 He said, “I’ve been very passionate for the Lord God of heavenly forces because the Israelites have abandoned your covenant. They have torn down your altars, and they have murdered your prophets with the sword. I’m the only one left, and now they want to take my life too.”

15 The Lord said to him, “Go back through the desert to Damascus and anoint Hazael as king of Aram. 16 Also anoint Jehu, Nimshi’s son, as king of Israel; and anoint Elisha from Abel-meholah, Shaphat’s son, to succeed you as  prophet. 17 Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill. Whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill. 18 But I have preserved those who remain in Israel, totaling seven thousand—all those whose knees haven’t bowed down to Baal and whose mouths haven’t kissed him.”

 

“The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” -John Maxwell

If you are feeling like you have lost your way maybe it is just God adjusting your sails.