James 1: 2-4 “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith, produces endurance, And, let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.”  Our Scripture today applies to every area of our lives and we all face various trials from time to time in our personal walk, our family, our job, even church and community.  We could easily substitute the words, steadfastness or perseverance, for the endurance.  Strong leaders in any walk of life are those who have endurance, steadfastness and perseverance when the “going gets tough.”  It becomes an attitude issue of how we approach our leading through trials and we must appreciate that these times make us mature, more complete as a leader and in God we lack nothing.  Do we use these times as “stumbling blocks or as stepping stones.” I have been there in my life and know that this is easier said than lived out.

“Rough waters are the truest tests of leadership.  In calm waters, every ship has a good captain.”  The people you lead are looking to see how you navigate through storms and troubled waters. Let your children and workers see how strong you are when troubles come and that your dependence on God is never questioned.  And, that you never give up.  This example of strong leadership will go a long way in preparing others to become strong leaders.  This is one of the most important responsibilities of being a leader, father and husband.  Encourage your children and mentor them this way when they face trials; which they will as they grow and mature.  Perseverance in the Christian life and leading others is much like riding a bicycle:  “You don’t fall off, unless you stop pedaling.”