The scent wafts past your nose, and you recognize it instantly. A hamburger—juicy, slightly greasy, and smothered in cheese, onions, ketchup, and mustard. Your mouth starts to water, a reaction that happens without prompting. There are certain things in life, like our favorite foods, that we crave just because they look, taste, smell, or feel good. Other things we long for because without them, our lives are little more than lackluster.
Whether or not we realize it, we all desperately need to feel secure—to know that we are safe, cared for, and protected. And as followers of Christ, our greatest security comes from the assurance that the Son of God put on flesh, died for our sins, and rose again to redeem our past, present, and future. But as leaders, how do we trust in that when things are falling apart? When the ground around us crumbles and it seems that nothing is certain, it’s easy to forget that our foundation in Christ is sure and unchanging (1 Corinthians 3:11).
Despite having placed you in a position of leadership, it’s important to remember that God doesn’t expect you to have all the answers—and He never will. Life is uncertain; it’s never guaranteed to be the same from day to day. But even in the ebb and flow, our need to feel secure never changes. Reminders of our security in Christ’s salvation abound, so when it’s hard to recall Who holds tomorrow, look for His past work in your life and organization as well as to the unchanging truth of His Word.
Take a few moments to think about the ways, places, and times where you have seen God move. Maybe it was through a family-related issue. Maybe in the financial provision you’ve been praying for. Perhaps you’ve seen Him at work in the lives of those you’ve been called to lead. Or possibly He’s used your group or organization to accomplish bigger things than you ever dreamed possible (Ephesians 3:20). Has He proven Himself to you? Take note of those moments, and remind yourself that He is constant and faithful. Security lies in the One who has been there from the beginning.
It’s crucial to also remain grounded in Scripture so that when life gets rough, those verses of promise come to mind. His word reminds us that He has loved us “with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3, NASB) and that the love of Christ “surpasses knowledge”(Ephesians 3:19, NASB). In 1 John, the author tells us, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life” (5:13, NASB). Look no further than the pages of the Bible for evidence that we are secure in His hands (John 10:27-29).
As a leader, never fall prey to the lie that you must always have it all together; the need for security is real for everyone. Doubt, fear, and worry will come, but when they do, trust in the One who secured your fate on a cross more than 2,000 years ago, because “He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23, NASB).
