For Christian leaders, the Bible is clear that our greatest source of strength is Jesus himself—”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13. Beyond that, Dan Rockwell shares four unexpected and practical sources of strength for every leader who is experiencing tiredness and exhaustion.
1. Struggle strengthens.
“Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.” Oprah Winfrey
Struggle and adversity aren’t the problem. Avoidance is.
Avoidance prolongs weakness and promotes fatigue.
You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” Walt Disney
- What difficult task are you neglecting?
- What difficult conversation are you avoiding?
- How have trivialities replaced meaningful work?
Do hard things. Ease is the enemy of strength.
The less you do, the weaker you get.
2. Vulnerability strengthens.
“Fake it till you make it,” might be useful, but playacting drains you.
“I feel stronger for confession.” Mahatma Gandhi
- Acknowledge mistakes. “I was wrong,” builds energy and strength when you correct mistakes.
- Recognize weaknesses. You have more weaknesses than strengths.
- Honour strength in others.
3. Enjoyment strengthens.
In Chariots of Fire, Colin Welland put the following words in Eric Liddell’s mouth, “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”
Pleasure energizes. LF
- What are you enjoying about work? About leadership?
- How might you express pleasure today?
- How might you let others experience your pleasure with them?
Express pleasure by talking to people as if they were children.
4. Connection strengthens.
“My inner strength comes from my friends. I have a very close group of friends and family, and we all help each other through our dark times.” Kathy Bates
Build relationships with people who make you feel strong.
Be a person who strengthens others.
The principle of the isolated stick says, “Pull a stick out of the fire and it goes out.”
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