So much of what we walk through in life are not problems to solve, but tensions to manage.

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This season of leading through COVID-19 is certainly a season of managing tensions, rather than solving problems. A tension we must manage in this season is to be aware and prepared, but not scared. We can choose to not let fear take up space in our minds while remaining informed and prepared in this season. 

Another tension that may have crossed your mind recently is, “how do I support & champion my Pastor’s vision when so many areas of my own life are uncertain?”

Maybe you don't have a job right now. Perhaps you may be wondering if you’ll be out of a job by the end of the week. You might be a parent who just became a teacher, throwing your home life into a chaotic tailspin. Maybe you’re uncertain and shaken, not sure how to care for yourself or your family through this next season. And through all of this, you’re asking yourself - How do I wade through this season of uncertainty yet remain in a posture of being heart and soul for my pastor? 

First, I want to remind you that the Lord is still in this place. In Genesis 28, Jacob is caught in a place of uncertainty and fear as he leaves the drama and turmoil of his family. In verses 15-17, God tells Jacob,

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“Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely, the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it." And he was afraid and said “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven."

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Let this encourage you that especially in this season, the Lord is in this place. Like Jacob, you may not know it or see it, but I assure you that the Lord is in the midst of your circumstances, your uncertainty, and your fear. He is with you and will keep you wherever you go. 

Second, I want to encourage you to mind the rocky cliffs. In 1 Samuel 14, Jonathan and his armor-bearer are crawling on hands and knees as they scale rocky terrain, immediately after they see a Philistine army approaching them. Through all of this, the armor-bearer’s response was:

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‍“I am with you heart and soul.”

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He stayed firm behind his leader, minding the rocky cliffs. He knew there was uncertainty on all sides, yet he remained focused by taking one step at a time. Keeping a steady pace, he maintained constant, forward motion.

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In this season, I encourage you to keep maintaining forward motion in whatever capacity you serve your church and pastor. If you have to, take one step at a time, but don’t stop moving forward. Adopt the posture of the armor-bearer more actively now than you ever have.

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Our churches and pastors need us to remain steady and focused while keeping forward motion alongside them. Through the uncertainty of these circumstances, we as second chair leaders can still mind the cliffs in our own lives while maintaining forward motion for our pastors and stay running strong for the Kingdom!

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One step at a time.