Matt's Muzings
A Leader and Prayer
June, 2007 Volume 9, Issue 77
We have talked before, that one of the roles of a leader is to help define reality. To create a focus for those following him or her to clearly see 'life' and to prepare for it and to move towards this life, whether it be for battle or celebration.
I am in Singapore now, trying to do some new things; start a company, influence the business world, encourage the Body of Christ and train young people.
So I ask, 'How can I know what the reality is that I am focusing on here in Singapore?'
There are so many different ways to frame things. Is spiritual warfare needed for the release of the new? Is it marketing that is needed, as that is a natural way the material world works? What am I responsible for in opening the "doors" ? What are the purposes of God for Singapore at this time?
I need help. So where do I turn?
Prayer - talking to God
One key thing to do is to turn to God through prayer. But what kind of prayer?
For me it begins with clear and honest communication. A recognition of the reality of who I am.
Nenri Nouwen wrote, "To pray is to walk in the full light of God, and to say simply, without holding back, 'I am human and you are God.'"
I bring my humanity to God in all is glory, weakness and limitations. I continue to be honest with God. As a beginning point I pour out my struggles, hurts, joys and life to Him.
A quote from Philip Yancey stirs me, "I challenge skeptics to find a single argument used against God by the great agnostics - Voltaire, David Hume, Bertrand Russell - that Is not already included in such biblical books as Habakkuk, the Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, and yes, Job. These strong passages from the Bible express the anguish of dislocation: of hurt and betrayal, of life that doesn't make sense, of God who seems not to care or even exist. Most important, these accusations contained in the Bible itself are framed as prayers. Prayer allows a place for me to bring my doubts and complaints - in sum my ignorance - and subject them to the blinding light of a reality I cannot comprehend but can haltingly learn to trust."
It is only as I bare the deepest, most hidden parts of myself to God that I can truly discover myself as I truly am. Nothing short of that will give me an understanding of the reality of what it means to be human.
It is only as I understand who I truly am, that I can then relate to God as He truly is. No games, no 'rules', no sense of performance or showmanship.
Starting point of all leadership
This is the starting point of all leadership. Time alone with God in prayer. As broken humans, baring our soul to our Father, and in this process, catching glimpses of ourselves as we truly are and then the glory of catching glimpses of who He truly is. These glimpses give us hope to then step out and lead others with the reality we have discovered in God. Out of this relationship a leader defines reality for those around him.
My prayer is that you would find intimate, honest time alone with your Father as you lead and define reality for those who follow you.
May God richly bless you,
Matt & Celia Rawlins
Family Matters:
Matt: Switzerland was great. I had a couple of weeks teaching in the U of N schools in Burtigny and then a blast traveling with some friends into the mountains. The winding paths, the snow, the majesty of the mountains, were all a gift from God. It is good to be home and settle in.
Celia: We did have a wonderful time in Switzerland with all our friends. I was also involved in the Children at Risk Network Consultation (we have actually changed our name to WACAC. Women's and Children Advocacy Centre) and with the Executive team of Connexity 2008. Both were timely and fruitful and good connecting points for me. I am joining Janna and Eva in Penang, Malaysia, the first week of July for a week of training using the Celebrating Children curriculum.
Josh: He is going to Oregon in August and we are trying to get to see him.
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