We can’t control every obstacle that comes our way— the difficult conversation, the financial pressure, the leadership tension, the unexpected crisis. But we can control our posture. Scripture shows us what happens when leaders lean in.

·      Joseph leaned into integrity in the pit and the prison — and what others meant for harm, God used for good.

·      Joshua leaned into the Jordan at flood stage — and the waters parted after their feet touched the impossible.

·      David leaned toward Goliath while others stepped back — and his courage accelerated his influence.

·      Jehoshaphat leaned into worship when surrounded by armies — and God fought the battle for him.

·      Benaiah went down into a pit with a lion on a snowy day — and his boldness marked his future.

·      Esther leaned into risk instead of comfort — “for such a time as this” — and her courage preserved a people.

·      Mary leaned into surrender — “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” — and a Savior was born.

·      Peter leaned into repentance. His early instinct was impulsive, but the Holy Spirit changed his posture. Same man. Different lean. (I’m grateful my early reactions didn’t define my future leadership posture.)

·      Barnabas leaned into what others avoided. He saw what others missed. He advocated, believed, and gave opportunity — first to Saul, later to John Mark. This wasn’t a moment; it was his pattern.

·      Paul leaned into purpose. Prison became a protection from distraction. In isolation, he wrote letters filled with joy and truth that still shape us today. Instead of bitterness, he chose purpose.

Amber and I have lived this. Seven months into a pastorate, we discovered a $60,000 discrepancy in the church’s finances due to inaccurate records. It was heavy. Humbling. Hard. With help, we walked through a long process of correction. It took years to recover financially, and it did not come without sacrifices. But that season established integrity and credibility that shaped the future of that church.

We’ve walked through five miscarriages — devastating, crushing losses. Deep sorrow.

We would never have chosen those moments. But God has redeemed them. He has used them to deepen our compassion and open doors of minister to others walking through this grief.

There have been moments of “attitude adjustments” with our children when their responses weren’t just about the situation — they reflected their father's posture. When I reacted with frustration, they pulled back. When I responded calmly and clearly, they leaned in. Even now, there are times when the Holy Spirit convicts and reminds me: You can choose your posture.

I have found myself saying this repeatedly in this new assignment, “I get to do this.” I do not have to, I could choose not to serve. What is the heart behind this statement? I am attempting to lean into the joy of the assignment and remind my heart, mind, and spirit to LEAN IN.

Over the years, Amber and I have also learned this in our home. There have been moments of “attitude adjustments” with our children when their responses weren’t just about the situation — they reflected their father's posture. When I reacted with frustration, they pulled back. When I responded calmly and clearly, they leaned in. I can still recall moments when I didn’t control my posture well. And even now, there are times when the Holy Spirit convicts me and reminds me: You can choose your posture.

We have all seen people lean into resentment or isolation, but no one has to.

·      Lean into prayer before the meeting.

·      Lean into fasting when clarity feels distant.

·      Lean into the relationships God has given you.

·      Lean into His presence before the phone call.

You can resent the assignment — or you can steward it with grace, dignity, integrity, and the anointing He provides. In the challenges of this new assignment, I frequently remind myself that “I get to do this.” What is the heart behind this statement? I am attempting to lean into the Joy of the assignment and remind my heart, mind, and spirit to LEAN IN.

I may not control what just happened. But I can control how I lean. Your response to what you resist is being watched. People are drawing strength from your courage, hope from your faithfulness, and direction from your posture in the midst of pressure.

That situation you wish would go away? You know the one… It might just be the soil where your next season of influence is planted. God doesn’t waste anything—especially not conflict. Avoided in the flesh, it becomes a missed opportunity. Handled in the Spirit, it becomes evidence of God's confidence in your response.