
Day 159 - Let Go of the Need to Know Everything
Carley Sheppard
“So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 7-10 ESV
“The more you do, the more you fail. The more you fail, the more you learn. The more you learn, the better you get.” – John Maxwell
“People would rather follow a leader that is real than one that is always right.” – Craig Groeschel
God is made strong in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 9). It may sound counterintuitive, but we become confident when we acknowledge our shortcomings. In verse 8, Paul tells us that he prayed multiple times for his thorn to be removed. Although I don’t know his “thorn,” it gives me hope. Sometimes it takes numerous prayers before an answer is received. I have spent years combatting anxiety from the enemy. Through the Word, I have learned that God is made stronger in my weaknesses. He does not expect me to be perfect. He is helping me to heal and grow over time.
Even as a leader, you won’t have all of the answers. You aren’t going to be excellent at everything. That’s okay! People follow leaders that are real. You can gain confidence in your leadership when you accept that you don’t have to know everything.
Take time to learn in the weaker areas. Spend time with God and lean on Him for answers. He placed you in your leadership position because of who you are in Him. If you feel insecurity or shame in your leadership, know that you are loved and perfect in God’s eyes. Shame is from the enemy and not from God. As you read these words, I declare shame off of you in the name of Jesus!
I encourage you to sign up for a Freedom click where you can learn about your thorns and be free from whatever haunts you.
Next Steps
- Think about it: What “thorns” or “issues” are plaguing you?
- Action Step: Pray for the areas where you are weak. Surrender them to God and let Him strengthen you.
- Action Step: If you haven’t already, attend a Freedom Click during the next Click semester, which begins on Sunday, July 9! You can find more information on Clicks at www.dl.church/clicks!