By Oleda Atkinson
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith . . .” so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground” (1 Peter 5:8, 9; Ephesians 6:13).
Habakkuk 3:17-19, "Even if the fig tree does not bloom and the vines have no grapes, even in the olive tree fails to produce and the fields yield no food, even if the sheep pen is empty and the stalls have no cattle—even then, I will rejoice in the Lord. I will truly find joy in God who saves me.
"The Lord Almighty is my strength. He makes my feet like those of a deer. He makes me walk on the mountains.”
Have you ever asked yourself the question, "How Am I Going to Do This?”
1. First of all, face reality. You are a leader! You have been called (or appointed... was it your spouse?)
2. Face the fact that you are human! Not a super-human! Even if your predecessor was fit, fantastic, famous and fabulously talented... you are you! Created in His image to be all He created you to be! Then stand "strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). Talk to some of your human friends. You will be amazed how alike we all are.
3. Admit to yourself (no one else) your weaknesses and your strengths! Satan probably won’t target your strengths. He knows your vulnerability. So just remind the old guy that he won’t have to keep reminding you of your failures. You are perfectly aware of them. View your "limp” as a leap to a blessing. Laugh at yourself. You might as well. Others may already be laughing!
4. Admit to yourself that you are a winner! Begin to rejoice as the fog lifts! Learn to do spiritual warfare! Stand your ground. Refuse to even listen to negative thoughts. As you step boldly forward in Jesus’ name, He begins to extend your boundary. He will give you more territory! Start empowering others. As you empower others, your own weakness will turn into strengths.
5. Just being aware of our weakness is not enough! Keep in mind that the One who was raised at Calvary is strong enough to smash the serpent’s head! So ask Him to start smashing:
Feelings of inadequacy
Fears
Anxieties
Setbacks
Strongholds
Financial Lack6. Conquer through prayer! We can put the evil one under our feet through prayer. One prayer at a time. Pray with the authority given you through Jesus Christ.
7. Become a resource person to the other women in your sphere of ministry. Everyone needs affirmation, support and encouragement.
8. Do not live in isolation. Enlarge your circle of friends! Allow others close enough to be an encouragement to you. Be approachable. Women you serve need to feel welcome in your presence! State presidents and coordinators, alike, need encouragement, support and affirmation! Local women need the same things. Go "out of your way” to include each other!
It is not "Us” and "Them”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9. Remember, leadership does not place us on a pedestal. People soon grow tired of looking up—they get a crick in the neck. You are called to be a servant leader. You are to serve not be served!
10. Live like a leader! Go through your week searching for opportunities to speak a word, lift a broken spirit—your smile and kind words may be just what they need.
