Though I have already heard these before, but because of circumstances, I clearly understand these now. Sometimes, I see things as disappointments, things far beyond my expectation and opposite to what I think to happen. There are truly purposes for these and I, at times, can’t understand. The ONE who purposely gave these is just concern on how I respond to those I labeled as circumstances.
God is opening opportunities one by one in His perfect time to actually grow in this transient life. That opportunity may sometimes fall as problems – difficult to handle – and if you went through this unmoved you will then realized the opportunity has just got to you. This might be of benefits to evaluate what to do, what will be the respond, is there a need to change, and if so what are they?
Problems are actually an opportunity. Without it, you will not be cultured. This doesn’t mean that this already is everything. God is enough and He is everything to us. But He uses these for us to grow in accordance to His will.
Through these, I realize many things and as my opening statement, this is not far from my understanding before, but every situation speaks of the opportunity God wants me to have CLEARLY – to cultivate the character and the leadership I have right now. This one is written in general. This is not applicable only to one aspect, but whether this be accepted or not, it is connected to every aspects of life; thus, applicable.
I understand that nothing in this world is permanent as change. Change is constant and it has responds. And every occurrences of change will define the character. So I concluded to do something wisely before taking the step to respond. At first, perhaps, we might be the victim of it, but as the process continue, you will of course evaluate, decide and take the necessary step until you become good to it.
In leadership, there are different ways to lead, according to the call. But if there’s a need to change, then evaluate and change. Humility and acknowledgment to mistakes are good to this area. There’s always SOMEONE up there who will do His part. Other has their point, but make sure to always evaluate everything, and do not try to please people because that is something different. Having the opportunity in leadership means the opportunity to be shape – the character and the responds will be shape.
Every destructive criticism must not affect our leadership; we must learn to be passive sometimes (not at all times) so our ways may not be compromised. We know very well what we are doing and its purpose, as individual knows very well of its own than of the other. If other sees it differently, then focus and continue to evaluate. Again, if change is needed, do so. We are always in the process and not finished yet. The perfection of one will only happen when Christ returns. Only one is perfect, we must not be deceived.
There are times that other will throw hurtful words against you and it is unavoidable. If they are under you, you don’t need to explain anything, unless necessary. Sometimes, you just have to be silent and it is the best thing to do. Just listen and again evaluate, then change if valid. Trust God and do no revenge. But as leader, you are accountable to the one above you.
I also realized how hard it is being in leadership. You can’t please everyone and so you still have to continue win them. You must be approachable but tough as well; you must be soft but firm as well. You have to share your visions and plans to them but you have to be reserved as well, meaning quiet. You really have to weigh things up. There are a lot of sacrifices, such as friendship and trust. Eyeing for a better result but not everyone sees the process of attaining this as opportunity, instead felt as aggravated.
But I am not quitting, I am facing this as challenge and I am starting to realize this as second to nothing. There are much more in the future – the life eternity, the highest calling. Through the grace of God, mind will be transformed that in every negative thing, I will think and look forward for the positive result it will bear. Because in everything it has a purpose.
I am so grateful having people who are wise, unbiased and concerned – I consider them advisers. I admire having their lives available to people, to help them grow. They are ministers and they are close to me. Yes, I am totally dependent to God and to the Holy Spirit. But still grateful, I believe they are God’s instrument to those who can’t stand yet.
I am always grateful.
~Rhoda Maniquez
Rhoda Maniquez
