Have you ever felt forced to make a decision that you really did not believe in?  It is critical that leadership teams are on the same page, and even when they do not agree on a decision, they continue on in unity to complete the task at hand. Sometimes though it is difficult if you are not in full agreement with the decision.  It is really challenging when you are the leader and you are carrying out a path forward that you have been placed in despite your hesitancy in that particular decision.  I was placed in one of these situations several years ago when I was a head coach.  I allowed one of my players to talk me into a situation that I really did not feel was best, but I went with their suggestion only to not have it work out well.  We ended up losing the game precisely because of the decision I made.  I had to own the decision, even though I did not agree with the decision I made.  If I made a decision and it turned out not to work out well, I can own that and do better next time, but the decision you are answering for when you let someone change your mind and go against your better judgment is hard to reconcile.  I learned a valuable lesson that day.  If I am going to be held accountable for the decision, I want it to be my decision and that I feel comfortable with the analysis and decision.  

You might ask the question, what if my boss or head coach makes a decision for me and asks me to carry it out?  This is very challenging.  And yes, we read in Scripture that we are to be submissive to those in authority over us; Romans 13 and I Peter 2:13 are two passages where we are thus instructed.  If it is not immoral or illegal you may navigate the rebuttals and questioning, but when the decision is handed down, it is upon the subordinate to make the decision reality.  This is done best if you have a positive attitude regarding the decision.  This is not always easy though, but if you understand that God is really the one in control of the situation and a leader’s decisions, you can rest that He will use all things for His purposes.  Proverbs 21:1-3 states, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord.  He turns it wherever He will.  Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.  To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”   The Bible is clear; it is the Lord who directs and uses leader’s decisions for His purposes.  Sometimes it is difficult to understand how in the world God is using a decision for His will.  But if we really trust in God’s sovereign will, we can rest that He will take care of settling accounts in His timing.  

What about when we are not excited about where God has us, and what He is asking of us?  How do we navigate these emotional testings?  I am learning that life on this earth will continue to use trying situations to mold our hearts and minds.  God brings situations about so that we can learn the lessons He has for us to learn.  More often than not I am grumpy when I am in the midst of a particular situation only to eventually learn how God was using this trial for my good and His glory.  I even find myself being thankful for rough challenges because of what I learned about God and myself through that challenge.  Instead of asking God “Why?”, I have come to realize that it is much better to ask God “What do I need to learn through this?”  A genuine heart condition asking God to teach us what we are to learn is much more productive than wandering through the lonely forest of “Why God?”  God will answer the questions that even challenge His sovereignty, but I have found it is much more helpful to ask, “Teach me Lord!”  “Show me clearly what you want me to learn!”  Developing the habit of studying God’s Word is one of the most constructive efforts we can establish in our lives to understand the lessons God has for us to learn.  Time in the Bible is essential for survival and spiritual growth.  It is with this mindset that we read Psalm 119:105-112.  “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.  I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules.  I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word!  Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord, and teach me your rules.  I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law.  The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts.  Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.  I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end.”  When we think Biblically is when we can truly comprehend what God is teaching us in Proverbs 3:5-8, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.  Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.  It will be healing to your flesh, and refreshment to your bones.” 

When we are able to live this way is when the, “It wasn’t my idea” is changed into “God thank you for your faithfulness to me.”