Hurts So Good

I have been seeking the Lord lately for a specific area of "personal development".

Have you ever done that before?

There's something inside you that just doesn't feel quite right. You may not be able to put your finger on what it is, but you feel it nonetheless.

Well, that was me.

I just had this "feeling" that there was something that needed God's attention. So, I began to pray & ask God to have His way & do His work in me.

And guess what... He answered!

First it was a strong urge to pray about something pretty specific. Then, this magazine came in the mail with an article inside that--you guessed it--spoke directly & specifically to this issue. Then there was a chapter in this book I was reading. Then there was a blog post I read.

Then there was the icing on the cake: a meeting with a group of our leaders. During our conversation, someone brought up a concern that smacked me right in my face! And guess what it was about? Yep: it was EXACTLY what I've been dealing with.

I have to be totally honest with you: it was an EXTREMELY uncomfortable meeting for me. But, fortunately for me, I knew that it was a necessary conversation. It was one of the most difficult & painful hours of my life. But I needed to hear it!

Herein lies one of the most-important principles I have learned in leadership: just because it isn't fun doesn't mean it isn't good. In fact, sometimes the most-difficult discussion in the short term ends up being the most beneficial discussion in the long run.

It hurts, for sure, but it helps.

Truly, it is the kind of conversation that hurts so good that you're forever grateful to God for allowing you to have it.

Thank You, Jesus!