From Waiting to Walking: Trusting God as You Step into Leadership
Have you ever caught yourself waiting—waiting for someone to notice your potential, invite you to lead, or give you permission to pursue what God has already placed in your heart? Honestly, I already know the answer. We have all been there… waiting… wondering… making excuses… and being distracted by all the other things happening in our life.
Can I be honest? We don’t want to believe it could be true. But we need to ask ourselves, “Who told me that?, Who told me to wait?” If we cannot say that God is asking us to wait – then it could be a tactic of the enemy. I know that is not what you want to hear. Our heart wants to obey God, but we also love our comfort zone and easily listen to these lies because it keeps up all snuggled up and comfy.
Can we chat about WHY it is so important that we start taking steps forward to become the leader God created us to be?
· Obedience matters. (If you love me, obey my commandments. John 14:15)
· Influence matters. (You are the salt of the earth, the light of the world. Read Matthew 5:13-16
· Legacy matters. (Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Deuteronomy 6:7)
So, today I want to share 3 things to think about…
First, What Will your Legacy Be?
Your legacy isn’t a thing you leave behind. We tend to focus on leaving a financial inheritance or maybe some property for our children. But your legacy can be so much more than that and should impact people at work, in your community, as well as continuing beyond your children and grandchildren.
The legacy that matters will include the impact you have made on others during your life and the changes you inspired them to make. Your legacy includes your love for Jesus, the examples you set, and the wisdom you share.
Let’s be intentional about legacy building…
Define your core values and purpose.
It is easy to say, not so easy to live out. What are your core values? List them. What scriptures are those values based on? It is important these are who you are and what you do no matter who you are with or even if you are alone.
You can’t live a life of purpose – if you aren’t intentional about fulfilling your purpose. It requires prayer and focus to get on the path to your purpose.
Make a positive impact on others. Your influence is not about position but about obedience. Ask yourself the hard questions…
Am I exemplifying my core values and walking in purpose?
Whose life is being impacted by the way I live?
Share your heart, wisdom, and experiences. When you pour into others, you multiply your impact. More hard questions…
If Christianity was a sport, would I be a spectator or a star player?
💡 Scripture Focus: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
Your leadership legacy begins with the small daily decisions to follow Jesus’ example—serving others, walking in truth, and leaving behind a trail of faith that outlives you.
(Check out Episode 188 of the Confident Christian Influence podcast, I dive into what it looks like to build a lasting legacy of faith and influence. It will help your re-center your life as you are reminded to lead like Jesus and make an eternal impact.)
Next, you don’t need anyone’s permission.
Too many gifted, called women are waiting—waiting for clarity, approval, or perfect timing. But when God calls you, that is your permission slip.
Has our desire for comfort and fear of backlash led us to avoid confronting uncomfortable truths or challenge the status quo? Whose permission do we need to rise up and share truth? Why have we sat back and watched our nation grow darker?
We already have permission, God is calling you to step into purposeful leadership. His call is simple, follow Jesus and lead others to Him as you fulfill the calling on your life.
Now that you know your permission slip has been signed…
Seek Clarity around WHO called you. God is calling His daughter into her next assignment. You are a Daughter of the King, but if we aren’t careful, our life looks the same as our lost neighbors.
Release the Need to be Ready. Confidence is built in motion. It’s okay to start messy. You lean into your faith and take one step at a time. God will show up and meet you there. He will be faithful to help you. No need to figure out the future. With God, there is not a 5 or 10 year plan. There is something far better. The gift of eternity with Him.
Respond with Obedience. Remember, God is concerned with the condition of your heart. He wants you to trust Him and when you do, you aren’t afraid to take a step forward. Even small steps of obedience will open doors and lead you forward.
It’s time to rise up and lead—not because you feel ready, but because you trust the One who called you. Your influence is needed right where you are. Stop asking, ‘Who am I to lead?’ and start declaring, “God chose me for this.”
(Check out Episode 189 of the Confident Christian Influence podcast, Stop Waiting for Permission — Step Boldly into the Leadership God’s Called You To.)
Lastly, Leadership Leaves a Mark
Think about the leaders you have served under who were not who they pretended to be. Consider the damage they caused, the disappointment, the hurt that was inflicted. That is not the kind of mark you want to leave. Then think about the good leaders who God has used to impact your life. Consider the lessons they taught you, the inspiration, and the encouragement to do the right thing for the right reason. This is the type of mark you want to leave on others.
You are a leader – because you have influence in the lives of others. What kind of leader do you want to be? Are you intentionally being that leader?
When we combine intentional legacy-building with bold obedience, we become women who lead like Jesus—servant-hearted, Spirit-led, and courage-filled.
Your influence is on display whether you are mentoring a coworker, raising your kids in truth, or leading a team at work. Your impact multiplies when you lean into the truth of God’s word and live with intention. That’s the type of mark you want to leave on others.
I am praying for you and I have a free tool for you. It’s a Quiz to help you better understand the type of Leader God is calling YOU to be. Leaders have different leadership styles and when you embrace yours – your influence will grow.
Take the Quiz to see what type of leader God created you to be.
CLICK TO START.
I am praying for you. Be bold and do it afraid. You will be so glad you did.
If I can help, please reach out. I would love to come alongside you. (Schedule a 15 minute call.)
NOTE FROM PAM:
Thank you so much for reading this blog post. I appreciate you taking time to do that and my prayer is that it has influenced you to take a step closer to Jesus, surrender every area of your life to Him, and become the leader He created you to be and to do what He is calling you to do. I can testify that life is better with Him than trying to go it alone.
In addition to this blog, I have a podcast called Confident Christian Influence and I offer Coaching to help you move forward. I also love to speak to groups - large and small - about Leadership, Inteionality, Clarity, God’s Plan, and even Time Management / Productivity. Feel free to connect with me about ways I can serve you and your group and help you experience personal growth, make meaningful impact, and apply Biblically sound truth.
Visit pampegram.com to learn more about Pam and the resources she offers.