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Leading From A Position of Strength – Lesson #2

Leading From A Position of Strength – Lesson #2

Leading from a Position of Strength

Chuck Hill, D.Min.

chuckhilltoday.com

The Source Matters

In leadership, strength is essential. But where does true strength come from? 

Zechariah 4:6 reminds us: “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.”

In a world that often equates leadership with charisma, strategy, and sheer determination, Scripture offers a different perspective. Real leadership strength does not come from personal influence, experience, or willpower alone. While these qualities have their place, they are insufficient on their own. True, enduring leadership flows from the Spirit’s empowerment. When we rely solely on human strength, we inevitably reach our limits—our wisdom falls short, our energy wanes, and our resolve weakens. But when we lead by the Spirit, we operate from a place of divine authority, wisdom, and endurance that transcends our own abilities.

Strength Through Dependence

Jesus Himself set the ultimate example. Though fully God, He did not rely on His own divine nature alone but instead submitted to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Luke 4:1 tells us, “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.” Every miracle, every sermon, every decision was done in complete dependence on the Spirit’s guidance. If Jesus, the Son of God, led this way, how much more should we?

Paul echoes this truth in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where he recounts the Lord’s words to him: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul understood that leadership is not about personal strength or self-sufficiency; rather, it is about yielding to the Lord. True strength is not measured by having all the answers or never feeling weak. Instead, it is found in complete surrender—allowing God’s Spirit to fill, sustain, and direct us.

A Contemporary Perspective

Christian author and leadership expert John C. Maxwell puts it this way: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” But knowing the way and showing the way are impossible without first being led by the Spirit. Human effort alone will only take us so far. When we submit to God’s Spirit, He equips us beyond what we could ever achieve on our own.

As we step into leadership roles—whether in ministry, business, or our personal lives—may we remember that success is not found in striving but in surrender. True, godly leadership is not by might nor by power, but by His Spirit.

Practical Ways to Lead in the Spirit’s Strength

1. Daily Surrender — Begin each day acknowledging your need for the Spirit’s guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6).

2. Stay in the Word — Scripture keeps us aligned with God’s heart (Psalm 119:105).

3. Pray for Wisdom — James 1:5 assures us that God gives wisdom freely to those who ask.

4. Walk in Obedience — Strength comes from stepping out in faith, trusting that God equips those He calls (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

5. Lead with Humility — Recognizing our dependence on God keeps us from pride and positions us to receive His power (1 Peter 5:6).

Conclusion

The best leaders are not those who rely on personal strength but those who lead through the Spirit’s empowerment. When we yield to Him, we move beyond our natural limitations and lead with supernatural effectiveness.

So today, lead strong—but not in your own strength. Lead by the Spirit.