In his book Sifted: Pursuing Growth through Trials, Challenges, and Disappointments (Exponential Series), Wayne Cordeiro shares some great leadership insights.
On of the illustrations he presents is how Brazilian soccer players train in desperate conditions. Their fields are bumpy, and the conditions are far from ideal, but this is done intentionally, regardless of how much the young hopefuls complain. It is not a matter of money or available resources. The Brazilians have taken home the World Cup trophy several times, and players like Pelé are legendary. So why the archaic conditions?
In an article on the Brazilian method of training, a successful soccer coach said that if these young players can excel on these uneven fields, they will be exemplary on turf that is level and smooth. And if they can go without water for an afternoon’s practice in the hot sun, they will develop into consummate players under the lights. Playing soccer in the stadiums will not be an arduous task but something they will execute with ease. And all because of uneven playing fields and training conditions that are less than ideal.
We may not always understand God’s ways, but we can have confidence that his ways are purposeful, planned, and good. One of the ways God sifts us as leaders is by asking us to play on an uneven field. The true test of leadership is not how you fare under favorable conditions; it’s how you respond when everything goes wrong.
Jeremiah 12:5 says, “If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? And if in a safe land you are so trusting, what will you do in the thicket of the Jordan?”
Determine that you are going to allow frustrating situations and uneven playing fields to strengthen you and prepare you for greater purpose and godly influence.