As leaders, we often face tough decisions—moments when the weight of responsibility feels almost too heavy to bear. Recently, I made a difficult choice of my career when I resigned from where I previously worked. It wasn’t a decision made lightly, and the reactions I received reminded me of how complicated leadership can be when it intersects with personal convictions. In those moments, loving well and leading well becomes much harder.
Yet, it’s in times like these that faith can become our most excellent anchor. When faced with difficult choices, we can either succumb to fear and uncertainty or lean into our faith, trusting that God’s wisdom will guide us. As I navigated the emotions and reactions to my resignation, I found myself leaning on the teachings of Christ more than ever, trusting that the path I was on was the one He was calling me to walk.
One passage that kept coming to mind during this time was Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This verse reminded me that even when my decisions seemed difficult or misunderstood, I needed to trust that God’s plan was greater than my understanding. He would guide my steps if I remained faithful and obedient.
Jesus teaches us to love others, not just in times of peace and comfort but especially in moments of struggle and tension. It’s easy to love well when life is going smoothly, but when your decisions challenge others, the real work begins. Resigning meant stepping away from a mission I cared deeply about while leaving behind a team I had grown close to. But I realized that loving well also meant doing what was right for me and my family, even if it wasn’t the popular or easy choice.
Faith doesn’t promise that leading will always be simple. In fact, leading well often requires making the hardest decisions, with the understanding that we are called to live as Jesus wants us to—guided by love, patience, and trust in God’s greater plan. Sometimes, this means stepping into the unknown, knowing that our actions, whether through word or deed, reflect the faith we carry in our hearts.
As Proverbs reminds us, we’re not called to understand everything but to trust in God’s path. As we walk through life, we’re called not just to lead with strength but to love with compassion. That duality of leading and loving well is where our faith shines brightest. My recent experience reminded me that Jesus is always present in these moments of difficulty, offering guidance and grace, urging us to continue being the person He wants us to be—even when the world may not fully understand.
So, whether you’re making a hard decision, dealing with criticism, or struggling to balance leadership with love, remember this: our faith is our foundation. When challenges arise, lean into that faith. It will guide you through the hard times, helping you lead and love well, as Christ did.
(Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
