In business and ministry we are faced with these challenges regularly. The higher the level of leadership the higher the number gets. In 1 Samuel 14, Jonathan has a daring plan; he and his armor bearer sneak off to check out one of the Philistine outposts...Jonathan decides that depending on what the Philistines reaction to seeing them is they will either head back to camp or take on the outpost (just the two of them). Now imagine you're the armor bearer. How much would you have to trust the guy who has seemingly put you in a life or death situation?! This is the armor bearer's response to Jonathan's plan: "Do what you think is best. I'm with you completely, whatever you decide." Amazing! The armor bearer puts his agenda (living another day) aside and chose to serve his leader. As a result, God gives them the victory over 20 men in that outpost, but beyond that, fear strikes the entire Philistine army. Bonus!
Flexibility is putting your well laid plans aside to serve the bigger picture or to serve your leader and in some cases to serve someone in need. Not too long ago I was faced with a last minute change to our worship service. I had a choice in that moment to hang on to my well laid plans or to be flexible (and to ask my team to be flexible with me). I can't say once you get to a certain level of leadership this becomes easier, only that your resolve to be flexible becomes stronger. I chose to go the flexible route and as a result ended up with a better service than I had originally planned.
One of my favorite sayings has become our team's mantra. "Over prepare, then go with the flow." I love details, I love making maps, plans and schedules... but more than that, I love being challenged to step into the unknown because that's where I believe God does his best work.
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