Leading Through Adversity

Scripture: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." — Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Influence: Corrie ten Boom

Adversity is an inescapable part of life, especially for leaders. Leadership isn’t just about steering when the waters are calm; it’s about holding steady when the storms hit, guiding others through dark times, and, ultimately, trusting in God’s plan when the path forward isn’t clear. No one understood this better than Corrie ten Boom, a woman whose life exemplified faith and resilience through unimaginable suffering.

The Reality of Adversity

Adversity comes in many forms: financial hardships, loss, criticism, and internal battles. While it can often feel isolating and even crippling, adversity serves a purpose. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things—even hardships—for good. This doesn’t mean every challenge is inherently good, but God can use each one for His purposes. Adversity, then, becomes a tool God uses to mold us, strengthen us, and deepen our reliance on Him.

As Christian leaders, we’re called to lead not just with our vision or talent but with a faith grounded in the understanding that God is sovereign, even over our difficulties. Leading through adversity requires us to lean into this truth, seeing beyond the immediate pain and trusting that God is working.

Corrie ten Boom: Faithful in the Fire

Corrie ten Boom was an ordinary watchmaker from the Netherlands whose family hid Jews during the Nazi occupation in World War II. In 1944, she and her family were arrested, and Corrie was sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp, a place of horrific suffering. She faced unimaginable adversity—witnessing the death of her sister, experiencing brutal treatment, and enduring the constant presence of death. Yet, Corrie held fast to her faith and emerged from that dark period as a beacon of forgiveness, resilience, and hope.

What makes Corrie’s story so powerful is her unwavering trust in God’s plan. In a time of great darkness, she chose to cling to Romans 8:28, believing that God could bring good even from such evil circumstances. After the war, she dedicated her life to preaching forgiveness and reconciliation, sharing her story around the world.

What We Can Learn from Corrie ten Boom

Corrie’s life offers us valuable lessons on leading through adversity:

1. Rely on God’s Strength, Not Your Own
   Corrie often spoke about her weaknesses and how God’s strength sustained her. Adversity has a way of bringing us to the end of ourselves, a place where we realize we can’t overcome on our own. Like Corrie, we must allow our trials to push us toward greater reliance on God’s strength. As leaders, this reliance becomes a source of stability and peace for those who look to us for guidance.

2. Focus on Others, Even in Personal Pain
   During her time in the concentration camp, Corrie led secret Bible studies with other prisoners, bringing them hope even in despair. In times of adversity, it’s easy to become absorbed by our own suffering. But Corrie showed us that one of the most powerful ways to endure hardship is to focus on serving others. In leadership, choosing to encourage, uplift, and care for others—even when we’re facing trials—builds resilience within us and inspires hope in those around us.

3. Embrace Forgiveness and Let Go of Bitterness
   After the war, Corrie faced one of her former guards who asked for forgiveness. She chose to forgive, releasing her bitterness and allowing God’s love to work through her. Adversity often brings hurt, betrayal, or injustice. As leaders, we must remember that bitterness is a prison of its own. Embracing forgiveness doesn’t mean we overlook wrongdoing; it means we refuse to let it control us. In doing so, we can lead with a heart free from resentment, open to God’s purpose.

4. Trust in God’s Plan, Even When It Doesn’t Make Sense
   Corrie didn’t know why she was imprisoned, why her sister died, or why she was one of the few survivors. But she trusted that God had a plan beyond her understanding. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works “in all things”—even the things that seem irredeemably broken. Leading through adversity requires us to trust in this truth, maintaining a perspective that sees beyond our current challenges and toward the promise of God’s purpose.

Practical Steps for Leading Through Adversity

When adversity hits, it can feel overwhelming. Here are a few practical ways to embody these lessons in leadership:

• Anchor Yourself in Scripture
  In difficult times, the Bible becomes a source of daily strength. Scriptures like Romans 8:28 remind us that God is present and at work, even in our trials. Make it a habit to meditate on His Word, allowing it to refocus your mind and renew your faith.

• Keep a Journal of God’s Faithfulness
  Writing down moments of God’s provision and answered prayers can be a powerful reminder of His goodness when adversity arises. Reflecting on these experiences can strengthen your resolve and remind you that, just as God has been faithful before, He will be faithful again.

• Build a Support System
  Adversity is easier to navigate when you have trusted people who can pray with you, offer wisdom, and encourage you. Surround yourself with a community that will uplift you and remind you of God’s promises.

• Model Resilience for Those You Lead
  When others see you clinging to faith, hope, and forgiveness in the midst of hardship, it inspires them to do the same. Your resilience and reliance on God can create a ripple effect, equipping others to lead courageously in their own challenges.

Finding Purpose in the Pain

Adversity is painful, often pushing us to our limits. But Romans 8:28 assures us that none of it is wasted. Like Corrie ten Boom, we can lead through adversity by trusting that God is weaving every circumstance into His perfect plan. When we allow God to use our hardships, we become leaders who shine His light, even in the darkest places.

As we lead, let us remember Corrie’s example and the hope we have in Christ—that no adversity is beyond His reach, and that through it all, He is working for good. May we be leaders who, through every trial, point others back to the unwavering love and power of our God.