Jim Martin's Encouragement Note #117
Now what? . . . "We are twins because we share the same soul" . . . The power of joyful service . . . What I've learned (part 1) . . . Etcetera (resources)
(Unsplash - Jon Tyson)
The List of Five
Now What?
The fire started quickly.
I had just driven home from college at the University of North Texas and put my car in the garage. A few minutes later, a flame from a running gas dryer in our garage, ignited with the gasoline slowly leaking from my car. Suddenly, our house was up in flames.
That night, our family slept at our neighbor’s house. As I laid down to sleep, all I could think about was the throbbing burn on my leg and the image of our house going up in flames.
The question in my mind was “Now what?” What are we going to do? It is a question that may haunt us in some of our most challenging moments.
You may have asked this question at some point. We might ask this when we are stopped in our tracks by anxiety, uncertainty, or a sense of dread.
I made a list of people in our congregation and various other friends who are experiencing major challenges in their lives. Maybe you can identify with some of these:
Financial challenges. “We are getting further and further behind with our bills.”
Job losses. “I was let go in my company’s job reduction initiative.”
An adult son/daughter who is breaking your heart. “Oh my goodness. Where did we go wrong?”
Marriage difficulties. “On social media, one might think that we were really doing well. But to tell you the truth, this marriage is hanging by a thread . . .”
Church messes. “So many people have left our congregation. I don’t know what we need to do at this point.”
These situations and others may leave us anxious, uncertain, and full of dread.
Now what? Regardless of the situation you might be dealing with in your life, God calls us to the following (Philippians 4:4-7):
We cling to God. “Know that the Lord is near.” The Lord who reigns and rules is near us. He is majestic and holy and is far greater than any problem we will ever face.
We pray to God. Instead of being anxious and undone, we are called to bring our requests to the Father.
We embrace the peace of God. We believe the peace of God that passes all understanding will be ours. In other words, an inner peace and calmness can be ours even though all of our problems have not gone away.
Are we going to make it? Absolutely! But not because our problems magically went away. Not because our pain has suddenly ceased or our problems with an adult child are now gone. Not because a particular leader takes office or the economy turns around. Rather, it will be because we cling to God, the one who raised Jesus from the dead.
Amazingly, he gives us peace - even when are problems haven’t gone away.
“We are Twins Because We Share the Same Soul”
The following video captures a few moments of joy. This particular video highlights the joy of friendship between two young girls. I have included this video because we are blessed when we see examples of kindness and friendship. Enjoy!
The Power of Joyful Service
Have you known someone who genuinely served with joy? Such a person is perhaps what Paul might have had in mind when he wrote:
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish in a crooked and perverse society. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. . . . (Philippians 2:14-15)
Those who refresh and encourage others will themselves be refreshed with joy. This isn’t about putting on a happy face or always being positive. Rather, this is a person whose words and demeanor can even refresh others:
For I derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. (Philemon 1:7)
The Source of Lasting Joy
True, lasting joy for life and ministry come from:
An intimate relationship with Christ.
A heart of gratitude.
The empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.
Joy can transform our roles whether we are a parent, a business person, or a coach working with high school students.
So how can leadership be joyful?
Lead with humility. Whether you are guiding a family, coaching a team, or serving as a shepherd of a church you are always learning. Ideally, you have learned but you are also learning. Consequently, we lead with humility.
Follow the Spirit of God. True leadership is not about focusing on your gifts and abilities. Rather, it is about leading others to follow our God who goes before us (Ex. 6:1).
What I’ve Learned - Part 1 (Especially for ministers and other church leaders)
It is critical to pay attention to my own spiritual formation. (Authors like: Dallas Willard; John Ortberg; Rich Villodas; Randy Harris; Eugene Peterson; Trevor Hudson; A.W. Tozer; Henri Nouwen)
It has been extraordinary helpful to be a student of “Systems Leadership” and learn about its usefulness to a leader. (Authors like: Edwin Friedman; Peter Steinke; Margaret Marcuson; Steve Cuss)
Learning to grow in my own self-differentiation has been a real bonus for my own functioning. (Authors like: Edwin Friedman; Steve Cuss)
Intentionally building trust and working to maintain healthy relationships while leading has made a significant difference in my life and ministry. (Authors like: Peter Scazzero; Lynn Anderson)
Developing a passion for curiosity and learning has been important to my growth. (Authors like: Tod Bolsinger; Austin Kleon; Seth Godin)
Etcetera
I was recently interviewed by Lantz Howard (Dallas/Ft. Worth area) on his podcast, The Whole Hearted Leader. You can find this interview here.
Also at the same site (The Whole Hearted Leader), you might enjoy listening to Lantz’s interview with Dr. Richard Beck. You can find this interview here.
I have been reading an excellent book, Mentoring, by Dr. Ruth Gotten and Andy Lopata. Very helpful.
Recently, I listened to the audiobook version of Savannah Guthrie’s, Mostly What God Does. I have enjoyed this.
I formerly served as Vice President of Harding School of Theology, Memphis, Tennessee. Prior to this, I served as a minister in various congregations for 36 years.
I am a husband, father, and grandfather. One of my favorite things to do is to come alongside another person and encourage her or him.
Every other Monday morning, I publish this “Encouragement Note.” You can subscribe at jimmartin.substack.com. You can also find me on Facebook - @jim.martin or Instagram - @jimmartin.jm. My e-mail address is: jmartin9669@gmail.com. Feel free to write. I would love to hear what is encouraging. — Jim Martin
I especially liked the Now What and Twins sections of this Note. Our grown children have free will and even if we have done our best, their free will sometimes takes over.