Following and Trusting : Encountering God Out of the Box

The fall of a spiritual leader can feel like an earthquake shaking the foundations of our faith. Leaders often play pivotal roles in our lives, pointing us to Christ, teaching us God’s Word, and modeling spiritual growth. When they stumble into sin, it can leave us grieving, confused, and disillusioned.

How do we process this pain and move forward with hope?

Scripture Focus: Psalm 146:3-5

“Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” (NKJV)

“Don’t put your confidence in powerful people;
    there is no help for you there.
 When they breathe their last, they return to the earth,
    and all their plans die with them.
 But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,
    whose hope is in the Lord their God.” (NLT)

This is timeless wisdom: while human leaders may fail, God remains unshakable.

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When Leaders Stumble

I can’t help but think of these Biblical leaders who once stumbled and yet were transformed by God’s grace:

• King David, though he committed both adultery and murder, turned back to God with a broken and contrite heart. His genuine repentance led to God’s forgiveness and restoration (2 Samuel 11-12, Psalm 51).
  
  
• Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, denied Him three times during His darkest hour. Yet Jesus sought Peter out, restoring him with love and commissioning him to “feed My sheep” (Luke 22:54-62; John 21:15-17).
  
  
• Paul, once a zealous persecutor of Christians, encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. This encounter transformed him into one of the greatest missionaries of the Gospel, carrying God’s message to the nations (Acts 9:1-22; Galatians 1:13-16; 1 Timothy 1:12-16).

These stories remind us that no failure is beyond the reach of God’s redemptive power. God’s grace is redemptive and powerful in the midst of devastating sin.

Understandably, our hearts also long for justice in the midst of our grief.

How do we move forward?

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Navigating Grief and Loss

Here are some thoughts as you navigate through your grief.

1. Keep Anchoring Your Faith in God, Not People
   Leaders are meant to point us to Christ, not replace Him. When leaders fall, it’s a painful but crucial reminder to place our ultimate trust in God. Psalm 146:3-5 calls us to rely on the One who never fails.
   
   
2. Grieving with God
   It’s okay to feel heartbreaking sadness, betrayal, or anger. Bring these emotions to God, who is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). He understands your pain and can provide clarity and comfort as you process the loss.
   
   “Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” -Psalm 62:8
   
   
3. Praying for Restoration
   Even in the midst of failure, God’s grace is at work. Pray for the leader’s repentance and healing. Just as David and Peter experienced restoration, God can redeem even the darkest situations, bringing beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3).
   
   
4. Guarding Your Heart Against Bitterness
   A leader’s fall can sow seeds of cynicism or bitterness. Proverbs 4:23 warns us to guard our hearts because it affects everything we do. Use this season to draw closer to Christ and renew your own commitment to live with integrity.
   
   
5. Leaning on Community
   Grief is not meant to be borne alone. Turn to your spiritual community for support, encouragement, and accountability. Galatians 6:2 reminds us to carry one another’s burdens, strengthening one another in times of trial.

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God’s Faithfulness in Times of Uncertainty

While the fall of a leader is painful, God remains faithful and sovereign. Romans 8:28 assures us that He works all things together for the good of those who love Him. (Yes, that is often hard to imagine!) This heartbreaking moment can deepen your reliance on Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

A Sample Prayer for Healing and Hope

“Lord, I am grieving the loss of a leader’s integrity and the pain it has caused. Help me to fix my eyes on You, the author and perfecter of my faith. I pray for repentance and restoration where it is needed and for healing in my own heart. Protect me from bitterness and draw me closer to You, my unfailing Shepherd. Amen.”

Dig Deeper:

If you haven’t adopted 2-way journaling with the Lord yet, now is a great time. Invite Him to comfort your heart and speak clarity to your mind.

See chapter 7: ‘Two-Way Fellowship’ with Jesus in the book: “God, Show Me More of You” (This book shares the story of how I recovered after the grief of losing trust in my own leaders.)

Need a safe, loving community of women who are hungry to hear God? Learn more about the Freedom Coaching Circle.

Need someone to guide you through the grief of broken trust in leaders? Learn more about private sessions.