Nehemiah's Sense of Urgency

Nehemiah saw the need – the walls and gates of Jerusalem were in ruin. Although Nehemiah was in Persia, he saw the opportunity – he made a request of the king (whom he served as cupbearer) to go to Jerusalem and help repair the city. Nehemiah found favor with God and the king and soon found himself seated in the capital city of Israel. The story of the reconstruction ends with great victory as the walls are rebuilt and the gates repaired in 52 days. Part of this amazing transformation can be seen in the incredible buy-in that Nehemiah accomplishes with the people. Let's take a look at what scripture tells us concerning Nehemiah's vision casting strategy and effectiveness.

Chapter two of Nehemiah captures the arrival of this leader into the city. Verse 11 states, “So I went to Jerusalem and was there three days. Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. And I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem” (ESV). Nehemiah had heard a report of the destructive state of the city while he was in Susa (1:1-3). He acted upon the report and made his way to the city. However, once he arrived, he spent a few days getting settled and taking stock of the surroundings. Then he took a secret night tour of the walls in order to conduct personal research. He told no one of his plans, dreams, ideas, or vision. He gathered factual data before making speeches; he evaluated the situation before he proclaimed his plan; he made his inspection before he declared his expectations. Verse 16 of chapter 2 makes it plain that he did not go to the authorities (the officials, the priests, or the nobles) before he was sure about the situation and could provide eyewitness details of the severity of the problem.

But then, Nehemiah casts his vision. Verses 17-18 record Nehemiah's words as he carefully addresses the people, “'You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and we will no longer be in disgrace.' I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me.” Notice a couple of significant aspects of this charge.

First, the urgency of the message is paramount. We are in trouble! The city is in ruins! The gates are burned! In other words, disaster is all around us and we have to do something or all will be lost! The urgency of the situation demands action – a subcommittee to review the various options and report back for a discussion and vote is not the order of the day; sitting around and hoping that others will come to the rescue is rather foolish; maintaining life in the midst of fire and crumbling rocks is not a good plan; no, now is the time for urgent planning and decisive action.

Second, the invitation is personal and all-inclusive. Notice the pronouns throughout this challenge, YOU see the trouble WE are in....Come let US rebuild the wall...and WE will no longer be in disgrace. The urgency concerns US – the people, the leaders, the priests, Nehemiah himself – they are all in this together... to live or die, to build or burn, to restore or recline, to construct or to concede.

Third, the invitation involves both the positive and the negative perspective. Positive: come let us rebuild. What is in ruin, let us redeem; what is burning, let is redo; what is falling down, let us reinforce. Bringing transformation out of the jaws of destruction can be a powerful motivation in the hearts and minds of people. Negative: let us avoid the robe of disgrace; let us refuse to wear the brand of failure; let us reject the jeers of ridicule. Opposition will come, but let us overcome the fear of humiliation. Let us rebuild and then we will never again be in disgrace. Vision communicates a bright future in a contrast to the urgent need of the present reality.

Fourth, notice Nehemiah's appeal to the sovereign grace of God. He quickly tells of God's faithfulness in the past through Nehemiah's personal testimony. Nehemiah does not appeal to his own background of leadership or his outstanding character or examples of his integrity and authenticity. No, Nehemiah points to God's gracious hand – Nehemiah stands before them because of God's call upon his life, because of the burden that the God of heaven placed on his heart, and because of the path that God paved and the resources that God provided for this adventure that lies before them. The hand of God was upon him. And notice that he ends with the affirmation pronounced by an earthly king. God was so evident in the planning of the reconstruction project that he moved the heart of an earthly king to assist in the project.

The response is recorded in just a dozen English words, but I would have loved to have heard and felt the enthusiasm and excitement generated in the reaction of the people. The last part of verse 18 reads, “They replied, 'Let us start rebuilding.' So they began this good work.” Do you see the two-fold affirmation? The first is a positive reaction, a mental assent, and vote of buy-in - “Let's start rebuilding!” The second is a positive action – so they began the good work. It was more than just a joint hooray, it surpassed a shout of commitment, it went way beyond a pledge of support. The affirmation grew legs, the shouts lifted tools, the enthusiasm put on shoes and began to walk, and the clapping hands began to lay the bricks of reconstruction.

Nehemiah's short statement of vision-casting holds many keys to the motivation and inspiration of others. Without his carefully planned strategy of touching the hearts and wills of the people, 52 days of work might have accomplished very little. Inspire the people, build the wall...motivate the heart, overcome great obstacles...paint a real sense of urgency, create a genuine spirit of victory.

Leadership Metaphors

I recently interviewed seven effective leaders in an attempt to gain some insights into their leadership styles and priorities. The dialogs were rich and the thoughts they generated revealed some interesting perspectives on the process of leadership. The interviews focused on twelve questions although this blog shall explore just one: I asked each leader to describe their approach to leadership in terms of a metaphor. Here are the results:

#1. Mike’s metaphor for an outstanding organizational leader is that of a military general who is also a chaplain and a registered nurse. The military general clearly sees the battle facing the army and provides the best strategy to win the war. The chaplain softens the military stereotype with a compassion for the soul and spirit of the soldiers. The nurse is concerned about the physical well being of each individual carefully providing for the health and welfare of all. The leader must take care of mind, spirit, and body.

# 2. This leader captured his idea of the leader as “the Captain of the team…even better a Player Coach.” The leader, as a member of a team, is no better than any other member, but is there to pull the team together, to motivate them and to participate with them. The player coach is there is inspire the team and help them reach maximum capacity. The Player Coach manifests two distinct roles. First, as a player, he rolls up his sleeves, participates side by side, works up a sweat like every other member of the team, and experiences the thrill of the victory with his colleagues. Second , as a coach, he provides guidance, insights, and direction for the team. His direction is relevant because he lives in the midst of the game.

#3. Mr. P’s metaphor of the organizational leader was a collage of four images. None of them captured the total picture, so pieces of all four need to be pasted together: A Cheerleader (encouraging the troops), a Magician (pulling the rabbit out of a hat of difficult times), a Shepherd (guiding the people – you cannot push like a Cowboy), and a Card Player (one who knows the cards and can plan a strategy for success). Mr. P. sees the need for a strong leader that can give direction to an organization, as opposed to a friend to the employees. I have this image in my mind of a cheerleader dressed in a magician’s cape with a shepherd’s crook in one hand, a deck of cards in the other. I do appreciate this eclectic need to put a number of traits and abilities into the metaphor. Indeed, a leader must wear many different hats and have the ability to switch the hats at a moment’s notice.

#4. This leader’s metaphor flows out of a great appreciation for the beautiful aspen trees that grow in the mountains of Colorado. As this world leader learned about these amazing trees, he saw their connection with leadership networking, collaboration, and interconnectivity. All of the aspen trees are tied to the same root system enabling needed water to be spread to each tree as needed. On the surface each tree appears to be separate and strong, but under the surface, they are all interdependent on each other. Leadership needs to develop this type of unity as each individual realizes and recognizes the need for the team. Those leaders (trees) higher up on the hillside need to enable the water to flow to those on lower levels. Leadership itself can sometimes be a thankless job and so it is important for the water flow to go both directions.

#5 Aaron has not adopted a specific metaphor for the process of leadership, but the idea of a Nurturer would come closest – one that plants and helps something to grow. The growth continues until the Nurtured becomes an entity all its own. The Nurtured doesn’t need the help of the Nurturer anymore. The Nurtured becomes a Nurturer himself. The Nurturer starts a cycle that continues long after he has left it.

#6 DB shared, “I like a military metaphor – the picture of the warrior in battle – like Ephesians 6. The leader is in a battle; in a war. I see him as the general, but not in the traditional sense, but as the inspirational figure, the one to whom the soldiers look to and agree with as they all own the cause together. We all agree to put on our armor together as fight as a unit.”

#7 Don likened the leader to a builder. Not that the leader is trying to build a tribute to himself or a house that glorifies man. The program is not the focus of the building – the focus is the lives of people. The leader builds on the foundation (the truth of God’s word) while providing strength (strong principles) helping to build up the weak. Construction is complicated and needs to be comprehensive if the builder is to be successful.

Leadership is very difficult to define. The role of the leader is almost impossible to capture in a job description. I have heard many say, “I can’t define leadership, but I know it when I see it.” So I enjoy leadership metaphors as they attempt to paint a picture of effective leadership.

Music – A Great Metaphor for Leadership

I love the parallels between music and leadership. Music can consist of a simple tune or a small group playing in ensemble or a large orchestra engaging in complex counterpoint. Melody, harmony, rhythm,... key signatures, notation, time signatures, dynamics....chord structure, dissonance, resolution. Music can tell a story, paint a picture, and move us emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. Music is powerful, it must be created, it must be orchestrated, it must be presented, it must be heard.

Now that we all thinking musically.... for all those who have participated in music either as a singer, composer, instrumentalist, conductor, or active listener, I hope these notes ring true in your reflections. First, practicing music alone is important but playing music in a group enables it to come alive and be shared in community. I have so enjoyed playing music by myself and noting my development as a musician, but inserting my one small voice into a symphony of others allows my voice to make sense and gain significance. Listening to the sounds of others, adjusting volume and pitch in order to reach an intonation that captures balance and blend, and sensing the magnificence of musical collaboration transforms practice into communication. The message of the music reaches deep into the heart of the performer and the audience enabling a joint experience of emotion and identification.

So in leadership – planning and preparation alone (in the office, at the computer, at the desk of retrospection, prayerfully dreaming visions of the future) can be exciting, motivating and even inspiring. But leadership does not happen in isolation. Leadership occurs in interaction, in the engagement with others, in the joining of hands and hearts and spirits around a common banner and a shared vision. As each member of the organization has a voice and plays their part in the message of the institution, then the music is heard, then the identification happens, then joint experience is real.

Second, often the most important person does not sing, does not play an instrument, and does not compose the score. In musical groups of any size, the conductor is key to balance, interpretation, cohesion, and unity. A good conductor does so much more than wave his/her arms around in an attempt to establish the downbeat and keep the group together. The conductor must utilize his/her ears as he/she listens for every voice and concentrates on the message. The trumpets might sound absolutely glorious but if the primary voice of the music is in the oboe and cannot be heard over the brass then the message goes without piercing the heart of the listener. The heart of the conductor provides the emotion of the composition. I have heard some groups perform with accuracy of notes and rhythm but fail to capture the dynamics, the life, the passion of the music. Dull music is deafening.

Often the leader is not on the front lines. He/she does not interface with the customer. Much like the conductor his/her role is to turn his/her back on the audience and coordinate the music itself. But the leader must listen to the organization, The leader must bring balance to the multiplicity of events and programs making up the institution. The leader must have a sense of interpreting the purpose and vision of the organization to every voice in the company. The leader must be the glue that holds the organization together and seeks after unity and clarity. A dull company is boring.

Third, music (when done well) looks so easy and it appears to be such great fun. But music involves lots of hard work and lots of time. Discounting those musical geniuses that seem to have an extra chromosome, most people have to spend years learning their instrument, training their voice, reading music, and understanding the dynamics of ensemble. I remember the early years of saxophone – the squeaks and squawks that would come out of the horn would make my dog howl and my mom tear-up. How either of them lived through those long hours of practice I do not know. Music is a lifelong learning process as well demanding constant focus to maintain skill levels and high levels of proficiency. Leadership can look real easy when one observes a gifted and effective leader. But the process of leadership demands a life-long pursuit of creating, communicating, and transforming vision into reality.

Finally, I appreciate good jazz and skillful improvisation. I have very few skills in this area but I enjoy listening to jazz musicians who can create music in the moment governed only by a chord progression and rhythm. And yet, when I hear great jazz musicians interviewed I often hear that improvisation takes in incredible amount of trust, cooperation, and intuition. Instead of being free of rules and structure, jazz truly provides freedom within well defined agreements of community and focus. It is not a matter of each member taking his/her turn playing whatever he/she wants. Rather there is a river of music flowing and the boat floats in intentional, purposive paths down the water toward a common destination. The path may vary every time the tune is played, but the boat is the same and the destination is sure.

Leadership can involve lots of improvisation, but trust and a common destination must be shared by all within the organization. If only one leader is blowing his/her horn, the music is not effective. But providing authority with empowerment and delegating without micromanagement can produce some mighty fine jazz.

Music and leadership: the comparisons are deep and worth some reflection.

Honoring the Faithful

I loved watching television and the movies as a young boy. I remember being glued to the screen (the big silver one or the little living room tube) and thrilled to watch the stories of good over evil play out before my eyes. One of my boyhood heroes was the Lone Ranger. I was amazed how the masked man and his Indian companion, Tonto, could discover and defeat the evil enemy in just 30 minutes. The humble ranger never stayed around for the praise of man, but slipped away only to be seen on the far off hill top waving good-bye atop his magnificent steed, Silver.

How often in life, however, the good guy doesn't win. The current newspaper and the nightly newscasts highlight the evil world in which we live. These daily commentaries on the depravity of man rarely underscore the righteous deeds of godly people. I guess the reality of it all is that bad news sells and good news lacks that sensational quality that interests the imagination of the public.

It was so refreshing to move from the evening news to an evening event held at my organization. Every year we have an appreciation banquet for the faculty and staff of the school system. The menu was great, the music (harp for dinner listening and a string ensemble for entertainment) was beautiful, and the fellowship around the table was most encouraging. But the highlight for me was the acknowledgement of faithful service. Individuals were honored for each five year milestone they reached. Five years....10 years...15 years...20 years...25 years...30 years... and even 35 years! I thoroughly embraced the time of celebration. Each recipient had prepared a short statement of remembrance or challenge. The depth of love, commitment, dedication, and perseverance that the honorees shared was inspiring.

There was one man who had reached 35 years of service to the school system. He graduated from the school in the 1970s, graduated from college in three years and immediately return to our school to join the faculty. He began as an English teacher, but his great love for the Scriptures soon led him into the Bible department. He has excelled over the years, writing much of the school's Bible curriculum and serving as the chairman of the Bible Department. What a privilege it was for me to be in attendance. Paul was not only the Bible Department Chair when I arrived at the school 24 years ago, but he quickly became one of my closest colleagues. He was always so supportive of me as an administrator (even when I made foolish, rookie-type mistakes) and I sought out his mature wisdom many times over the years.

In our younger days, Paul and I were part of a faculty basketball group called 911-basketball. This rag-tag group of faculty (and some friends) would congregate at 6 am in the school's gymnasium in an attempt to stay in shape and enjoy some fellowship together. We jokingly dubbed it 911-basketball because we didn't call a foul unless we had to call 911 as a result. We had great fun and I loved playing on Paul's team. He had such a sweet left-handed jump shot and such a positive attitude toward the game. In addition to the fun in the gym, I had the joy of observing Paul as a classroom teacher. His approach to truth and his smooth pedagogy totally engaged my mind and spirit. His rich vocabulary and his deep understanding of God's word made him an amazing instructor.

As I heard the words of others sharing the impact that Paul has had on their lives, I realized that at this banquet the good guy won. I also realized the Paul had joined my hall of heroes along with the Lone Ranger as one of those humble forces that defeats the power of evil and makes the world a better place to live.

New Year Resolution Update

Four and one half months of 2012 are now in the past. One third of the calendar year is a memory. Although I keep a running tab on my four major resolutions in the upper right hand box of this blog, I have scheduled a posting every few months as a way to motivate my own self-discipline and to hold myself accountable. This might not be the most interesting for you, the reader, but it really helps me in maintaining some discipline in my life.

Number of blog submissions – goal 150 posts during 2012.

This is submission number 48. I am falling behind the pace to complete the goal. To make 150 posts during the year, the monthly rate is between 12 and 13. I should have made 50 posts by the end of April and the target is 62 by the end of May. Mathematically, the end of May goal is still possible. Survivor ends this Sunday; The Biggest Loser and the Amazing Race have already concluded their season s. So without the focus on reality TV, I hope to concentrate on writing every day.

Weight – maintain my body weight between 160-170 pounds.

So far this goal has been fairly well accomplished, although the struggle has not been what I anticipated at the beginning of the resolution. I have always struggled with weight gain. My past roller-coaster ride with the scales made it difficult for me to keep my weight down and under control. However, this year, I have found a diet and an exercise program that has really worked for me. In fact, I am having a little problem with dropping beneath my goal. I weigh myself every morning and there have been a few days that I have dipped below 160 (158 was my lowest). For the first time in my adult life, I was actually trying to gain a few pounds.

Running – yearly goal was to accumulate between 500 and 550 miles.

I have been so happy with my consistency in running. After my run on May 11, I have completed 82 circuits around the neighborhood (3.6 mile course) for a total of 295.2 miles. I am ahead of where I need to be in order to reach my goal for the year. I have never run a competitive race but I am considering signing up for a 5K this spring/summer just to have an additional goal. I am not setting any kind of land speed records but last month I averaged 30 min 44 seconds for the 3.6 miles or an average mile speed of 8 min 32 seconds.

Reading – yearly goal was to read 24 books.

I have just finished my 24^th book, The Moving Finger, by Agatha Christie. It was an interesting British murder mystery with lots of quaint dialog and strangely engaging character development. Based in a small country village filled with haughty gossip and wild rumors, the news of murder fills the mouths and ears of every member of the grapevine. Among the other 24 volumes I have found some interesting authors: Clive Cussler, Ted Dekker, Suzanne Collins, and Ray Bradbury. I have unofficially changed my goal to 52 books (that obviously would be a book a week). That might be too much of a stretch but I have really enjoyed spending some time just reading for pleasure.

I have really enjoyed keeping track of these four resolutions. They have been a source of focus and motivation in my personal life. Each of them represents a positive habit that I hope to maintain over the course of 2012. My goal is to provide a good report next month as we reach the half way point in the calendar year.

The Biggest Loser – Final Wrap-up

The theme for season 13 of The Biggest Loser was “No Excuses!” This season was a bit of a disappointment for me personally because of the personal, petty drama, the lack of support between contestants that I have come to expect, and the childish attitudes of some of the players. However there were some good leadership insights to consider from this reality show. Let's take a quick look at 11 of the excuses that the show identified in conquering weight loss and apply them to the leadership journey.

Excuse #1 “I don't know how to eat.” Understanding a healthy diet involves a balance of the right foods and the right portions of those foods. Food selection and preparation are keys to a balanced diet. So in leadership, a proper life balance is imperative. Maintaining a healthy equilibrium between work, marriage, family, church, and leisure is a major challenge for an effective leader. A work-addiction can be as devastating to leadership as a food-addiction can be for those trying to lose weight.

Excuse #2 “I don't have time to eat healthy.” Within the realm of leadership the blank can be filled in with a variety of applications – I don't have time to be collaborative...I don't have time to delegate...I don't have time to prepare...I don't have time to discuss. Time is often a leader's worst enemy. Although I have found that it is most often that I choose not to take the time to ...you fill in the blank. I choose what to prioritize and what to delay. I select the important and I decide what to put on the plate of procrastination.

Excuse #3 “I can't lose weight without a gym.” The contestants workout in a wonderfully supplied facility filled with state-of-the-art exercise equipment. Take all the equipment away and the players must find substitutes in other places (hikes, bikes and other creative ideas). For the leader, thinking outside of the normal schedule and the regular agenda takes creativity and innovation. Doing business outside of the status quo demands skills outside of the gym.... leadership often requires doing the ordinary in extraordinary ways.

Excuse #4 “I'll never reach my goal.” Discouragement and negative thinking can cripple a leader. The power of a self-fulfilled prophecy can carry a talented leader into the jaws of failure. A goal is rarely reached with the “I'll-never-reach-my-goal” attitude.

Excuse #5 “I can't lose weight on my own.” Dependence on others is a great strength when it comes to body life and the power of collaboration. However, the ability to make a stand, the determination to stand alone if necessary, and the reality of a personal faith independent of all others are the foundations of Christian faith. Philippians 4:13 states, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

Excuse #6 “I'll wait until after the holidays to lose weight.” Procrastination is the pothole of dieting. The best plans for losing weight are abrogated with the promises to begin mañana. So it is with leadership. To put off responsibility until tomorrow can be the trap door that removes the effectiveness from the ministry.

Excuse #7 “I lack self-control.” Both weight loss and leadership demand discipline. Capturing the flow of chaos and providing direction for the river of activity, brings a leader closer to a life of organization and productivity. Gaining control of one's choices and making decisions that reflect self-discipline are key to effective leadership. The Bible is clear that self-control is really being Spirit-controlled. One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is self-control (Gal 3:23).

Excuse #8 “I can't get out of my comfort zone.” Even the leader that is energized by adventure, can find him/herself in the rut of comfort. Things are good, things are easy, things are stagnant, things are fat. If we are floating on the air-mattress of comfort in the swimming pool of success, we are only a moment away from being over our heads in change. The comfort zone is the danger zone and leaders must be alert and on their toes every day.

Excuse #9 “I don't believe in myself.” This is a Biggest Loser fallacy. Self-confidence, self-reliance, self-worth and self-centeredness are major foci of the weight loss program. A more Biblical perspective would encourage us to believe in the power of God, to view ourselves as instruments in His hand, to rely upon His grace, His strength, His love, and His transformational energy. The effective Christ-follower doesn't believe in himself but has complete confidence in the promises and power of the Savior. I can do all things....through Christ who gives me strength.

Excuse #10 “I can't lose weight on vacation.” Losing weight is tough on vacation because we are outside of the normal routine. The foods that usually grace the table are replaced with the goodies of temptation – the delicacies of restaurants, the smörgåsbord of the cruise, or the specialties of family and friends. Leaders need a vacation to relax, unwind, and refresh. On the other hand, the traits of good leaders are not bound by time and location. The personal integrity and authenticity of a leader are always present. The high ethical behavior and wise discernment in decision making never take a vacation.

Excuse #11 “Exercise is boring.” Exercise can be boring but it doesn't have to be. Variety and innovation can make exercise both fun and exciting. Leadership can be boring but the leader usually has the capacity to infuse excitement into his/her leadership role. I find myself so pumped up to go to work each day because every day is different and filled with experiences that challenge me and develop my dependence upon God. If you are where God has called you to be as a leader, boring is probably not the term you would use to describe your ministry.

The Biggest Loser – no excuses for losing weight! Leadership Cache – no excuses for poor leadership!

Warning from the Fallen

A good friend of mine, a promising young leader, lost his job (and maybe his career) in the last week because of some foolish choices and unethical decision making. I cannot condone his actions in any way and I cannot fault the conclusion of the organization for letting him go, but that doesn't heal the emptiness of the fall.

Some of the warning from this experience shouts in my face and other statements of concern whisper in my ear. The fall from integrity is only a sinful decision away, only a slip into temptation, only a gradual move into darkness. The shout – Watch out, stay alert, focus on the prize. Paul exhorts Timothy in bold print, “Watch your life and doctrine closely” (I Timothy 4:16). The whisper – little choices lead to bigger ones, a small compromise crushes consistency, stay away from the seductive. The whisper reminded me of a song written by Mark Hall from Casting Crowns. He penned,

“It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade”

There is an emptiness that I feel deep inside myself when I am faced with a fallen hero. I think some of that feeling is the reality that, except for the grace of God, the fallen might be me. There is a frailty and humility that rushes over me as I stare into the mirror of depravity and human nature. Protection only comes when I cover myself with His blood and carefully put on the full armor of God. The belt of truth must be at the center of all my actions; the breastplate of doing right must guard my heart; the shoes of the gospel must lead me away from temptation and straight into the arms of the Creator; the helmet of salvation must dominate my thinking as I redeem my thoughts with the good news of Jesus; my shield of faith must be raised high in order to block the darts of the enemy that come from a variety of directions; and the sword (that powerful doubled edged sword of Hebrews 4:12) must be my weapon of choice. Lord, help me keep my armor polished and firmly in place. May I become more and more skilled with my shield and sword. And may the rest of the armor feel comfortable from daily use.

When a spiritual hero falls, others around him/her are often by its impact. The trials of a leader are passed on, to one degree or another, to those who follow and to those who grant authority to the leader. There is a sharing of the suffering, a bleeding with the wounded, a common pain felt by many. Some cannot rectify the fall and lose faith themselves; some respond in anger and bitter disappointment; others withdraw into walls of discouragement. The role of a leader has wide ripples of responsibility.

I close this rather sobering post with some incredible words of hope and perspective from David Platt, Senior Pastor at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham Alabama, “Satan intends every type of suffering to sabotage us; God intends every type of suffering to sanctify us.” May I (we) remember the depth of this truth when I find myself in the midst of suffering; May these words empower me (us) to stand firm when the waters begin to overwhelm me; May God indeed sanctify me (us) through it all.