Jeannie Vogel

1. Because we work for God, not people -- follow Him.
   
   A squeaky wheel sometimes needs to be ignored. Have you ever spent time with your leadership team praying, discussing and planning for an event, only to have someone dump a truckload of criticism on you for it? I realized early in ministry that I could not march to the tune of a host of drummers.
   
   Although we should listen carefully to criticisms that identify our true weaknesses, we should also understand that sometimes criticisms leveled at us are really aimed toward God. The Israelites repeatedly hurled hate bombs at Moses simply because he was following God's guidance through the wilderness. Moses listened and then relinquished them to God.
   
   It's easy in leadership to internalize complaints or feel inadequate in light of them. In time, He will fix the squeaks.
   
   Remember, we work for only One Person. If we please Him, that is sufficient.


2. Because my weaknesses showcase God's power -- rely on Him.
   
   For years, I tried to hide personal weaknesses from those I sought to influence. Marriage problems stayed stuffed behind the parsonage walls and insecurities concealed from view. When my fifth child was born, and my parenting failures were running around for all to see, an amazing thing happened. As honesty replaced spiritual veneer, people became vulnerable and shared their problems. Seeing my weaknesses helped women relate and trust God for their failures.
   
   God blacklists self-sufficiency, but elevates dependence. When Jesus said, "apart from me, you can do nothing," He meant nothing.
   
   Humbly admitting my weaknesses unleashes His majestic power.


3. Because looks can be deceiving -- trust Him.
   
   The night before a well-publicized outreach breakfast event to the community, the snow began to fall. Record snowfall was predicted and I had to decide whether to cancel or commit. After much agony and prayer, I decided to forge ahead with whoever God sent our way. We had an amazing turnout because the roads were cleared by 9 am and almost every other conflicting event was canceled!
   
   We often panic when snow threatens, computer files are lost, microphones break, or speakers bore our audience. It's so easy to fret when we experience any unplanned setback we have no control over.
   
   Imagine the dismay of the disciples as the events of the crucifixion unfolded. As their personal dreams were shattered, God orchestrated the most amazing event in history.
   
   When God rearranges our plans, He often has much greater ones to accomplish!

Our Expert

Jeannie Vogel, a Pastor's wife and WM leader with a MA in Biblical studies, recently wrote, Accepting the Challenge: Leadership Lessons from the Life of Moses, for which she won a 2011 Write to Publish "Writer of the Year" award. She ministers to Pastor's wives, ministry leaders and speaks at women's events. Contact her at jeannieharrisvogel@gmail.com or on Twitter.

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