70% of leaders don't finish well

Common traits of leaders who didn't finish well:

• they lost their learning posture

• Character becomes compromised

• Convictions become optional

• Contributions for other's benefit become inconsistent

• Loss of perspective of their influence and destiny

• Lose the once vibrant relationship with God

Paul finished well and commented about it, in 2 Timothy 4:7

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." NIV

Paul reminded his son in the faith, Timothy, to run his race with passion,

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6 NIV

Discouragement is defined as "a condition of sadness or doubt, to be without courage."So discouragement, sadness and doubt, at its root, is a lack of courage!Discouragement is almost epidemic among Christians today! This is not just a recent malady. Discouragement has been a common plight for God's leaders throughout history. Of the approximately 400 leaders found in the Bible, only 80 finished well, many lost courage and lost faith along the way?When John is listing the qualities of those who are banished to Hell, he lists the "cowardly." Interesting!?!

But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8 (ESV)

It didn't turn out well for the ten cowardly spies who scoped out the Promised Land and returned with a faithless recommendation. A necessary quality of a leader is to be courageous, willing to face risks while "encouraging" others to step out by faith.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 (ESV) And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.

To encourage, means to put courage into another... so let's consider how we can encourage one another as leaders...In desperation, feeling all alone, King David had to learn to encourage himself in the Lord.Encouragement is something that should be practiced daily.

Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

A good habit is to consider how to add courage to others every time you cross paths. Ask God to give you discernment to know who needs encouragement, and what to say to inspire others. This is what ministry is all about.

Application:

1. Speaking. Proverbs 16:24 says, "Pleasant words are … sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Speak encouraging words into other's lives!2. Writing. The books of the Bible are filled with encouraging words written to other believers. Jot a note of encouragement simply to say, "I thank God for you."3. Touching. Jesus was in the habit of touching people. A light touch on the arm and looking person in the eye can speak volumes without a word spoken.4. Praying. "You help us by your prayers," Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:11. Everyone can have this ministry of prayer. Do it in the person's presence, don't wait to do it later.5. Helping. Look for a need and meet it. Serve by taking the children on a field trip to give mom and dad time alone. Wash the car, mow the lawn, do yardwork without asking permission.6. Provide a meal - and drop it off... something for the freezer if it is not needed now...

Consider:

1. What encouraging things have other believers done for you? Who needs your encouragement today?2. What gestures have backfired when trying to encourage a hurting person?3. What are the strengths and weaknesses of your unique encouragement style?[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]