Hebrews 13: 7-8
I love this verse because imitating the faith of others is what has carried me through some challenging times. Don’t we all strive to imitate the faith of Jesus? Isn’t that what he taught us to do? When we lose faith or begin to question it, the best thing we can do if we are to not give up hope is to imitate the faith of others. And I am thankful for all the examples of faith I’ve had that are worth imitating.
I would not be where I am today without the leaders I have been blessed with along the way. Not long after college I started my career at Thrivent where I’ve encountered many people whose guidance, wisdom, and faith have shaped me, made me a better person and strengthened my faith in God.
As I think back and visualize some of these people, I recognize that every single one of them had their own challenges along the way. Two of them survived the death of a child from awful circumstances. One went through a divorce. One helped their elderly parents move closer to them so they could be a caregiver. Another was raising a neurodivergent child like mine. And several went through layoffs and job changes.
These are just the things I know about. But every single one of these leaders, even in the midst of what was difficult, exhibited faithfulness and love for the Lord.
In my job, I often have to comfort and console clients who are going through challenging times. Death and disability are major life events that I often have to help people navigate and that I’ve experienced myself. I’ve been put in a position to help people during those times, and my prayer is that I can be that person of faith to help guide them when their own faith might be shaken.
In this Advent season, it is a good time to reflect on and live out the qualities we admire in our leaders – faithfulness, dedication and a heart for others – as we prepare for the birth of our eternal Leader. Who are the leaders who have
influenced you? How can you lead others, even in small ways, to experience the hope, peace, joy, and love that Advent brings?
Lord, You are unchanging and eternal. Thank you for the leaders You have placed in my life. Continue showing me examples of the faithfulness I should have so that my faith will continue to grow stronger. Help me to provide a light to others so that I can be the leader You call me to be.
Vicki Lilley, CDFA®, BFA™, FIC is a Financial Advisor, Redtail Financial Group
- Thrivent.
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