One of the earliest scripture verses I recall memorizing is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This particular scripture is a resounding call of encouragement to every believer who faces challenges and change. I want to ask you this question directly. “Can you really do all things?” Possibly a more appropriate wording of that question is, “Should you be doing all things?”

When faced with a challenge, how do you respond? Some people thrive on challenge so much that, if there is nothing new to stretch them, they will create something new. Though it is healthy to be stretched and challenged, usually an individual who thrives on challenge lives and works in a manner that exudes chaos and confusion to those closest to them.

Others respond to challenge by retreating or finding a way to avoid it. Most of us would agree that this is also an unhealthy approach.

As a leader, you must first and foremost determine how God desires you to respond. Does God desire for you to take on the task or has He given you someone in a supportive role who can do it for you?

Allow me to speak a bold statement into your life, ministry, and leadership. The simple truth that you “can” do something does not necessarily mean that “you” should be the one doing it. As a leader, you must always be diligent to make the best use of your time, talent, and resources. You must strengthen and build up others around you. You are positioned to empower other people to handle some of those challenges.

Yes, you can do all things through Christ. Complete the challenges God expects of you as a leader in the power of Christ who strengthens you. Then empower those you lead so that, through the assistance and insights of those given to you by God for your support, the rest is completed in a manner that glorifies God.

Gary R. Linn