Updated 3/14/12
How do you handle adversity?
I mean real adversity…
Are you the type of leader that:
- curls up in the fetal position and waits for someone else to make something happen?
- struggles to keep it together?
- breaks down, but ultimately pushes through?
- believes ‘I will adapt and overcome!’?
The way we deal with adversity speaks loudly to those who are watching.
Especially students!
If we freak out under the stress and pressure of the situation… then our students will likely follow suit.
If we’re a bit shaky, but ultimately were able to keep it together… that will say something to students.
But if we’re able to show confidence that, despite our current circumstances, we believe God will work on our behalf… then I think this can leave a powerful and lasting impression on those we lead.
I typically find it is easy to have faith that God will work something out… because I’ve been doing this long enough to see how He’s done it in the past.
But every situation is different…
And we’ll not always react the way (or express the faith) that we wish we might have later on…
Students watch us.
And our actions carry a lot more weight than our words.
Modeling a way of faithfully dealing with stress, anxiety and adversity is something our students need to see.
So how do you deal with adversity when it rises up?
Do you face your fears with faith?
What example are you setting for the students you lead?
