John Maxwell Profiles in Leadership: Sarah – “Yes, Lord” No Matter What

This is the fifteenth lesson in bestselling author and speaker John Maxwell’s Leadership by the Bible series. If you know someone or a group who would like to follow along on this journey through Scripture, tell them to sign up to receive John’s free email devotional here.

By John C. Maxwell

1 Peter 3:5, 6

Sarah said yes to a lot of difficult things—when asked to leave home, accompany Abraham on a thousand-mile journey, and live like a nomad in the wilderness. Even when asked to say she was Abraham’s sister. But when it came to waiting on God’s solution to her childlessness, she didn’t. Perhaps the negative consequences from that impatient disobedience later reminded her to say, “Yes, Lord” no matter what, for she is commended in the New Testament for her submission and her faith (Heb. 11:11).

[Sign up to receive the 30-day free email devotional by John Maxwell of biblical teachings to equip and encourage leaders and those who serve with them to meet the challenges of the 21st century]

[Browse all the books written by John C. Maxwell in the Bible Gateway Store]

Sarah may not have influenced large numbers of people during her lifetime, but the influence she did have shaped the world. Her example challenges you to make sure your leadership decisions are guided by faith, not driven by frustration or fear.

If you are frustrated in your leadership, don’t let it provoke you into making bad decisions. Don’t try to get ahead of God when he isn’t moving fast enough for you. When you must wait, focus on God’s character, not your circumstances. Your situation—no matter how insurmountable the obstacles may seem—are nothing to God. His promises are true no matter what. Knowing God’s will is not enough. Doing God’s will is essential. That requires total trust. That requires saying, “Yes, Lord” no matter what.

[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, The Bible Is the Ultimate Book on Leadership]

The above is adapted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible / Third Edition by John C. Maxwell (@JohnCMaxwell). Copyright © 2002, 2007, 2018 by Maxwell Motivation, Inc. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson. www.thomasnelson.com.

[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, The Maxwell Leadership Bible Achieves One Million Units Sold]