[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”3957″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_custom_heading text=”Session 1″ font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:16|text_align:center|color:%23075400″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_custom_heading text=”Your Past Does Not Disqualify You From Leading Today” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23075400″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Every one of us can be a great leader because if we let him, God will use us in a big way. We all have the potential and a great plan. One of the most important things to recognize is that your past doesn’t disqualify you from being a leader. Nothing you have done before will disqualify you. Even throughout the bible this is proven because leaders fall short of God’s plan, too. People mess up and we sin, but there are millions of stories of how God has made those people leaders.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]For example, in the book of Acts there’s Paul. Paul used to be called Saul and during that time he had persecuted Christians. “I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.” (Acts 22|4-5)
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]Saul wasn’t making the best decisions, but after he became a follower of Christ, he taught God’s word to people. Even though he was working against God for so long, he changed and was able to influence so many people. “He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!” (Acts 28|31) Paul became a great leader and  did great things through God. We aren’t unworthy of being a leader. We are all meant to do amazing things regardless of our past and sin.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]”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) There’s no doubt God has a plan for us and is always working for our good.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]God wants to use us. And not even just the good parts of us because God uses our flaws. God’s plan is so much greater than our own and there are such amazing things in store for us. It’s not a question of whether or not God wants to use you, it’s allowing him to.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]A major key to being a leader is having strong integrity. Integrity is being honest and having character and being faithful. Paul was so honest about his past and his sin. He could’ve lied about it because he was ashamed but he knew God would help him if he was judged by other people. He knew it was more important to share God’s word as an honest person and his integrity made him such a great leader.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]Your past doesn’t control how you are going to be a leader tomorrow. We are all chosen to be part of something bigger, to lead. God can use us in a big way and we can make an impact.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_btn title=”NEXT SESSION” style=”outline-custom” outline_custom_color=”#075400″ outline_custom_hover_background=”#075400″ outline_custom_hover_text=”#ffffff” shape=”square” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2F242community.com%2Fleadtheway-2%2F||”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
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