“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
By Margaret Vesnefski
In a few defining moments in my life, I have felt the Holy Spirit not just gently nudge me but unmistakably shove me.
Last fall, I completed and delivered my doctoral dissertation. After four intense months of preparation and three years of study, I was looking forward to some much-needed rest. Yet the very next week, as I sat in a staff meeting at church catching up on what I had missed, I heard about an upcoming launch of a new church-focused civic engagement organization in our community. It sounded like an important initiative to encourage Christian participation in community issues. There was just one problem: the event was three weeks out, and no leader was in place.
That’s when I felt the Holy Spirit’s unmistakable shove. I felt unqualified and unprepared because my experience with civic engagement was limited. I internally debated. Yet in the still small voice, I sensed him saying, “I chose you first.” (John 15:16)
Paul’s prayer in Ephesians reminds us that real strength is given by the Spirit to our “inner being”—our mind, heart, and will. When we are strengthened within, we are able to obey and act outwardly. This is reflected in Isaiah’s response, “Here am I. Send me!” which becomes a model for our own willingness to serve wherever God calls.
As I walked into one of the biggest events I had ever led on such short notice, an unexplainable peace settled over me. God proved himself faithful. Nearly 300 people gathered.
In our workplaces, we will encounter times when obeying Christ may seem countercultural. When we are empowered by the Spirit and our lives are rooted in love, as described in Ephesians 3:17, we find the strength to lead effectively. This foundation allows us to approach leadership not only with courage, but also with compassion and integrity.
Pray
Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen your inner being with courage and peace as you face difficult workplace decisions.
Reflect
Where might God be calling you beyond your comfort or qualifications? What fears need surrendering?
Discuss
How can being rooted and grounded in love transform your leadership style and workplace culture? What would change if you trusted that if you are willing, he is able?
Margaret Vesnefski is a minister and community director at King’s Oahu in Honolulu, Hawaii. She is also the newly-appointed Oahu Chapter Lead of For Liberty & Justice.