A Leader’s Response to Crisis

Companies, governments, and individuals are reacting in multiple different ways to the recent market drops, Coronavirus and other issues around the world. Like in every other crisis I’ve been through as a business leader and individual, my preferred response is to seek the Lord in prayer. This week, in my prayer time, I believe the Lord led me to read Mark 4:39-40 ESV, “And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’”

As leaders of companies, churches, organizations and most importantly, leaders of our families, we must step up and lead with confidence more than ever through these times of chaos. As Christians, we can do this because we know the Lord is with us. However, the way we lead is critical to our success. We cannot have a spirit of fear. We must remember 2 Timothy 1:7 MEV, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and self-control.”

Let us lead without fear, but with wisdom and discernment. We must follow the Lord and His lead. When we face trials and tribulations we must go back to the Lord for direction. I love the example that the Lord gives us with David in 2 Samuel 5:19 – 20, 22-25. Read this! 

“So David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?” The Lord answered him, “Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.” So David went to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, “As waters break out, the Lord has broken out against my enemies before me.” So that place was called Baal Perazim....Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the Lord, and he answered, “Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move quickly, because that will mean the Lord has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.” So David did as the Lord commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.”

I love this story! David had just been anointed King when the Philistines decide to attack him. Even though God had anointed David King, David still depends on the Lord to guide him. He asks God what he should do, the Lord tells him, and David defeats them. But later, they come at him again. Instead of just doing what he thinks is best or even what he did to defeat them the first time, David once again goes back to the Lord for direction. Man, I love that story. What a great example for us to follow in this season!

This is a time that we must continue to seek the Lord for clarity and direction. I love it when we face challenges, trials and tribulations, because as we press into the Lord we get to know Him in ways we did not know Him before. We also get to hear His voice and His strategic plan that many times does not look like what we thought it would. These are times that as we seek the Lord, listen, and obey He brings great victory to His people even in the midst of chaos in the world. I’m believing He will do this for each of us that truly love Him.

Finally, I encourage you to follow these words in Philippians 4:4-9, 12-13, 19-20 NIV, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you...I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength....And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

So, let us lead:

1. With confidence in Christ

2. With power, love and self-control

3. Without fear, but with wisdom and discernment

4. With a word from the Lord

5. Thinking on what is good and from the Lord