September 29. Let Go And Stand Firm.

As a leader, what are you holding onto? Is it profitability, maybe a new project, or even a new relationship? If someone were to attempt to take away something you are holding onto, you will most likely lose it if you do not have a firm stance. Your value you deliver, your why, is your stance as a leader.

If it is weak, then one's ability to maintain balance is compromised and whatever you are gripping is easily torn away. It is easy to get caught up in gripping even tighter when something is pulled away. Often the correct thing to do as a leader is to be caught standing firm. A firm stance provides power to a grip.

Does your team know your stance? How strong do you feel in your stance right now? Maybe today's focus should be on loosening our grips and being accountable to standing strong. What is the first thing you can do about it in the next seven days?

As a people of faith, we can be challenged by our cultures. Because we live in them, they can place a grip on us. But we also have a grip. What is it that we are holding onto?

We read, “With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15 NLT. Having a grip is certainly natural. We need a grip but notice in this verse we are instructed to first stand firm.

If we do not have a firm stance, that which we grip onto can be torn away. Where might your stance with Jesus not be as strong as you want? We can work out and exercise our bodies and muscles to strengthen them. Would it be reasonable to only focus on the grip of your hands?

We often need to let go of our pain, grudges or even hate and that which distances us from others. Our stand with Christ is focused on love. How might you shift your grip this week? Are you willing to be accountable to someone else if you are willing to make a shift? What is the first thing you can do about it in the next seven days?

Let us pray, Heavenly Father, we ask that you hold us in the palm of your hand. May a gentle pressure of us resting in your palms be enough of a grip that we never separate from you. Help us to see where we are gripping things that do not honor you.

Send us a gentle reminder to improve our stance. Let the winds blow but let us stand firm with you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen, 

p.s. If you are comfortable with doing so, please put a review on Amazon at Shoulder to Shoulder by Mark Queen.