Trusting Leadership Is a Challenge

Trusting leadership is a challenge we all face. On some level, we all lead. Some lead in the home, others in the workplace, some in the community and others in the local church. Wherever we lead, we have been entrusted with responsibilities that require wisdom, integrity, and care.

But what happens when trusting in our leaders becomes difficult? What do we do when those in authority stop serving others and start serving themselves? The more challenging question: What if we realize we’re slipping into that kind of leadership ourselves?

Trusting Leadership When It Fails

Leadership roles are often given based on honour, trust, and proven character. Unfortunately, that trust can erode. The very people who were meant to lead with integrity can become self-serving, careless, or even corrupt.

Isaiah saw this happening in his time, and God gave him a message for such leaders:

“Your princes are rebels and companions of thieves. Everyone loves a bribe and runs after gifts. They do not bring justice to the fatherless, and the widow’s cause does not come to them.” (Isaiah 1:23 ESV)

Sound familiar? Many of us have seen this in government, the workplace, and even within the Church. Maybe you’re under this kind of leadership right now. Or maybe, if you’re honest, you’ve started to see these attributes in your own leadership.

God’s Sovereignty in Every Season

It’s tough to understand why God allows poor leaders to remain in power. But as I was reminded recently, God is still sovereign. The same God who worked out His plans in Isaiah’s day is still working today.

That being said, it doesn’t mean we turn a blind eye to injustice. There’s a time to speak up and a time to act. But there’s also a balance. As we discern on outcomes and decide on actions to be taken, we recognize that God is still at work. God is working even when leadership is failing.

“He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings.” (Daniel 2:21 ESV)

God is not absent in seasons of poor leadership. He’s shaping His people, refining our faith, and calling us to trust Him more deeply.

Responding with Prayer and Action

Maybe you’re wondering, how we move forward when leadership disappoints us. If we’re in the middle of a leadership crisis, what are the next steps? Here are two things I’ve learned from journeying through the storms:

1. Pray for discernment. Whether you’re under a struggling leader or recognize flaws in your own leadership, ask God for wisdom. He may call you to be patient or confront the leader. Whatever action you’re called to, trust that He holds the outcome.

2. Remember who is ultimately in charge Leaders rise and fall, but God’s authority never changes. Rest in the fact that His plans will prevail. Regardless of what leadership looks like around you now, it all can change quickly if God wills it.

I encourage you to read through Isaiah 1. Then (1) ask God to show you where trust is needed. (2) Ask HIm where change is necessary. And (3) ask him where faith must lead the way.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• Have you ever struggled with poor leadership? How did you handle it?
• What role has prayer played in your response to difficult leaders?
• How can you trust God’s sovereignty in leadership challenges today?