Devotion 3.24.20

John Maxwell is a well-known author of all things leadership.  He has written many books on various aspects of leading and learning, has a bible he put out that focuses on the 21 "irrefutable" characteristics of leadership in various chapters of the bible, is a speaker, and a thinker.  I signed up to become Maxwell certified and our certification event was of course scheduled for March 20 - 25.  I'm guessing by now you realize I am not in attendance, nor is anyone else, because it has been cancelled.

That said, Maxwell and his team made a decision to offer, free of charge, a leadership summit on leading in a time of crisis.  Clearly he is speaking to an online audience, and the topic is timely.  Today's presentation was interesting because it involves "perspective."  Maxwell noted there are two responses to adversity:  "Seek advantage or see adversity."  As we delve deeper into the crisis, do we see things we might not possibly have been able to see in our status quo existence before the event?

This is where Maxwell's faith life takes us because he once was a pastor who still falls back on scriptural concepts in his writings.  Scripture is full of crises that God allows to put his people exactly where they need to be.  The question becomes are we asking God where He wants us to be at this time?

Look at the book of Mark, chapter 4.  In it the disciples and Jesus are at sea and a terrible storm erupts (having been on the bay before when a storm arises, I know they can literally come out of nowhere).  The disciples are terrified and cry to Jesus, "...don't you care that we are perishing?"  I know, sounds somewhat pathetic.  Jesus arises and "rebukes the wind" telling it, "Silence! Be still!"

Is he talking to the wind, or to the disciples?  I always thought mostly to the wind, but also to the disciples.  That an easy assumption because we've heard God tell us to listen to Him, to turn to Him before. We hear God tell the psalmist, and us, to "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." (Psalm 46:10)

As we sit in the midst of a crisis, what are you seeking?  Advantage or adversity?  What is your perspective?

Together, let's pray that it is seeking God in the midst of need, seeking to have His will be done through us, as people of God.  Pray that we be still and listen to God.  Seek his direction as we seek refuge in our fortress.  Let's pray that is the advantage we gain in this.