So, you’re in the pit. That spot in life and leadership where things unraveled or took a turn you didn’t expect. You ask, “How’d I get here?” Your spirits are broken and your vision seems unreachable.
Yet, God meets you in the pit with an invitation to build something deeper, stronger and far better than you could hope or imagine. So stop, listen and trust.
STOP
Often, when your deepest fears and insecurities are played out in the pit your instinct will be to run back to what you already know. Stop. Remember you are loved by your Savior. Your current context does not change or diminish your identity in Christ.
“But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1
LISTEN
The instinct in the pit is to work on leadership skills and develop better competencies. However, God is using the space to shape your character. Listen to the truth He wants you to know.
“Remember not the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:18-19
TRUST
God desires to rebuild you. However, it takes time and hard work to move through the pit. You cannot rush the process. Remember, through the process God is shaping your personal character and faith. Trust God to bring about something new in you.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.”
Isaiah 43:2
The pit can be isolating. When you’re there you need someone to journey with you. PLI’s ongoing coaching between immersions provides the right amount of accountability and encouragement to help you move through the pit. We’d be honored to walk alongside of you. Visit plileadership.com today.
And hey, if you know someone in the pit, share this article AND walk alongside them. The journey gets easier together.
Very good and very timely thank you.
Thanks Jim. Blessings as you lead.
Jim, I just posted a follow up to this blog post. Check it out. Time, Vision and Grace: Three Things You Need to Get Out of the Pit.
thank you for this, I finally decided to lean into what sounded to absurd to be true, but this is a real thing, and it’s been incredibly difficult and scary and painful….my question is, Can you actually heal while in an almost constant state of survival?
A great question. Most of us need to do it in community with one or more people that can love us and walk with us