As I recently read this story, I couldn’t help being reminded of one of the great challenges that leaders need to be ready and equipped to face at critical times in their ministry. That being, what to do when your mates desert you? Paul describes this situation in 2 Timothy 4:16-17.
“At my first defence, NO ONE came to my support, but EVERYONE DESERTED me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.”
How could it be that this great leader could feel …

(1) “START AT THE TOP AND WORK YOUR WAY DOWN. THEY MIGHT SAY NO BUT THEY COULD SAY YES. “