Resilience is Necessary in Leadership

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.” - 2 Timothy 4:2

John Wesley's heart was strangely warmed on May 24, 1738 at a religious society on Aldersgate Street in London. The small group leader was reading the introduction to Romans when the Holy Spirit touched Rev Wesley deeply.

He had been a devout Christian for many years and a part of the Holy Club of students at Oxford University. He was an ordained Anglican Priest and the son of a priest and a very spiritual mother.

Soon after being touched by the Spirit, however, he felt a new and strong desire to share his faith. He said, "it pleased God to kindle a fire which I trust shall never be extinguished." Soon afterward John served as an itinerant preacher. Here is a series of diary entries he made over five weeks during the early years of travel.

Sunday, A.M., May 5 Preached in St. Anne's. Was asked not to come back anymore.
Sunday, P.M., May 5 Preached in St. John's. Deacons said "Get out and stay out."
Sunday, A.M., May 12 Preached in St. Jude's. Can't go back there, either.
Sunday, A.M., May 19 Preached in St. Somebody Else's. Deacons called special meeting and said I couldn't return.
Sunday, P.M., May 19 Preached on street. Kicked off street.
Sunday, A.M., May 26 Preached in meadow. Chased out of meadow as bull was turned loose during service.
Sunday, A.M., June 2 Preached out at the edge of town. Kicked off the highway.

Sunday, P.M., June 2 Afternoon, preached in a pasture. Ten thousand people came to hear me.

The epidemic of Adversity Deprivation Disorder keeps many of us from bouncing back and heeding God's call. Right now I am finishing two weeks on a rather strict diet but so far the pounds are stubbornly stuck to my waist. I am discouraged so I need RESILIENCE to go on.

John Wesley needed enormous resilience to go on and he had enough to keep the faith until God brought thousands to hear him preach. Do not give up before the pounds come off or God's chosen come to Him.