The Hidden Work: The Art of Purposeful Stewardship
Petrolene Le Roux
Performance Consultant | Specializing in Performance Turn-around Strategies for Teams and Individuals | Stabilize Operations Post-Growth | Team Alignment
This morning, as I reflected on a conversation with one of my clients, I had an encounter with the Holy Spirit that profoundly shifted my perspective. She shared her incredible spiritual journey, filled with awe-inspiring encounters with God and the Holy Spirit. As I listened, I couldn't help but think, I wish I had stories like hers. Her journey was one of power and transformation, and I realized she’s destined for great things. For a moment, I almost envied her path. I envied hearing the audible voice of God. I envied her visions and dreams God is giving her.
I remembered a conversation where someone had once asked me what I do, and when I told them I work with Olympic athletes, their response was, "Oh, that must be a thankless job." I hesitated for a second but nodded. It's true. As a mental performance coach, we don’t operate in the spotlight. We are the steady presence behind the scenes, helping athletes hold everything together and become their best on and off the field.
Last night, I heard a message about Nehemiah—how, when messengers came for him because the king summoned him, Nehemiah’s response was, "I can't come down from the wall. I am busy with a great work." I meditated on those words. Nehemiah knew his mission, and he stayed focused on the work God entrusted to him, even though it wasn’t glamorous. He wasn’t looking for accolades or recognition; he was simply faithful to his calling.
That hit home for me. God has given me gifts and promises, and I know I am destined for great things. But this morning, in a beautiful encounter with the Holy Spirit, I understood something monumental: my job is not to be in the spotlight, but to make others great. God has placed me here to elevate others, to help them live out their biggest dreams, and to turn their worlds around. My role is not to be the mover and shaker, but to be the catalyst—the one who activates, encourages, and propels others forward.
Imagine. I'm the one God will be calling to say "Hey, listen. I have someone here. I want to do great things in her life. She’s going to go places; she’s going to be a mover and shaker. The world is going to know about her. But she's a bit stuck. I need your with this one. She needs to get rid of some limiting beliefs. While you're busy, let’s help her gain the confidence she needs to take on the world I want to give her. I’m sending her over. Make sure she has everything she needs, to step into My greatness I have for her. Don't take too long. She's on an assignment".
And in that moment, I thought: I’m on the wall, doing a great work. But I’m not the one who’s going to get the letter from the king, because the king doesn't know my name. And that’s okay. No one will know who I am, working quietly behind the scenes, but that’s exactly where I’m meant to be. This is not a negative realization; in fact, it’s incredibly freeing. To be chosen by God, to be the one He calls when someone else needs guidance, resilience, or a push toward their destiny, is the greatest honor. It’s a humbling reminder that greatness is not defined by being in the spotlight, but by how we help others rise into theirs. That is purposeful stewardship—the sacred responsibility of nurturing, guiding, and empowering others to reach their fullest potential.
So today, I embrace my calling as a catalyst. I celebrate the incredible opportunity I have to walk alongside great people in their journeys. And I thank God for the privilege of being part of their stories, knowing that in helping them become great, I am fulfilling my purpose for His glory.
I am the catalyst. I may never get the letter from the king, but I am busy with a great work. And for that, I am eternally grateful.