Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Faith is a word that is mentioned in the Bible 458 times (NIV). There must be a reason for it. It is the essence of our lives, what we believe and who we are.
Hebrews 11:1 defines it well. Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, his only son, one of the most dramatic tests of faith in the Bible.
We live our daily lives with hope and faith; we are creatures of eternal faith in the future and we believe in His promises, just as Abraham did.
God supplies us with a universe upon which to base our faith: He made the sun and the sky and the moon and the night. He provides food and water. As Christians, our faith is manifested in God’s physical creation. But, how do we do as faith leaders in leading others?
Just as Abraham was a leader among his people, we too must be leaders with faith as strong as Abraham’s.
Whether you are a scouting leader, a conference president, or a district or local president, it is imperative that you possess a strong faith to be an effective servant leader. Faith must be manifested in our very being in order to be effective in making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Karin Paparelli, a Christian writer, performer, and blogger writes, “What is faith? Faith is confidence in something that is not yet manifested physically. Faith believes when everything else contradicts. Faith continues when everyone else has turned back. Faith sees what is invisible –– hears what is inaudible –– and knows what is yet to be revealed. Faith is the opposite of fear.”
As a leader you must put your faith into action. A plan, a strategy, a tactic, will remain just that unless you, as a leader, transform your ideas into kinetic energy. Seek God’s guidance with prayers of supplication. He will bless your efforts!
Grace and peace,
Larry W. Coppock
National director of scouting ministries and
Acting executive director of Strength for Service Incorporated
This article is part of a bimonthly e-letter to leaders of UM Men. Other articles in the February letter may be found at:
http://www.gcumm.org/news/2015/02-03/spiritually-daring-men-by-bishop-james-swanson
http://www.gcumm.org/news/2015/02-03/who-mentored-you-by-gil-hanke
http://www.gcumm.org/news/2015/02-03/itrsquos-all-about-the-offense-by-dan-ramsey
http://www.gcumm.org/news/2015/02-03/the-gap-between-ignorance-knowing-and-doing-by-jim-boesch
http://www.gcumm.org/news/2015/02-04/are-we-really-making-disciples-by-mark-lubbock.
http://www.gcumm.org/news/2015/02-04/what-about-bob-by-mark-dehority