Lead Without Permission

Called. Now.

You keep waiting for someone to tell you you’re ready, when God’s already called you to lead.

Are you still waiting for permission from men to live out what God has already placed inside you? This isn’t about feelings. It’s about faith. If you’re a husband, father, or man of God, then it’s time to step up. This is for the ones tired of shallow words. This is about real Biblical leadership.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

When I first gave my life to Christ, I was on fire. That fire was real, it burned deep, and I couldn’t help but want to share the Word of God. I had a hunger for Scripture, a drive to serve, and a passion to lead. But what met me at the church door wasn’t fuel for the fire. It was silence. Cold shoulders. Doubt.

The pastors didn’t know what to do with a man like me—new to the faith but ready to lead. They were young, unsure, and spiritually immature. They saw my passion as a problem instead of a purpose. And when my world fell apart—a divorce I didn’t see coming, pain I didn’t know how to carry—the church I ran to… backed away. They didn’t know how to handle a man broken and bold at the same time.

But here’s what I learned the hard way: Men don’t get their value from the approval of other men. We are not called to wait on permission from the crowd when God has already placed a calling in our soul.

It took years. Years of seeking, growing, stumbling, and learning. I walked through churches that couldn’t see the calling, and I had to learn that it’s not about their vision of me. It’s about God’s vision for me.

Brother, you might be in that same spot right now. You want to lead. You want to serve. But you keep looking for confirmation in all the wrong places. You think if your pastor would just notice you, or your friends would just believe in you, or your wife would finally see the leader in you—then maybe you’d feel ready.

But you’re already called. You’re already chosen. You’re already equipped.

If you are a man of faith, then you are a man of action. Not tomorrow. Not when it all makes sense. Not when you feel good enough. Now.

I had to stop chasing man’s approval. I had to lay down the idea that church titles or public recognition meant I was useful. I had to get quiet with God. And in that silence, He reminded me: You are worthy to serve.

Not because I was perfect. But because Christ is. Not because I was strong. But because the Holy Spirit is. Not because I was noticed. But because Jesus saw me.

Man of God, your leadership in your home doesn’t start with applause. It starts with obedience. It starts with waking up early, opening the Bible, and praying over your wife and kids. It starts with doing the dishes without being asked. It starts with asking your son hard questions about his heart and looking your daughter in the eyes and reminding her that she’s loved. It starts with repentance, humility, and consistency.

Not a stage. Not a platform. Not a title. Just a man.

A man who says yes to God.

When I was ignored by men, I almost quit. But the Spirit wouldn’t let me. And today, after years of quiet serving and unseen faithfulness, I see what God was doing.

He was shaping a shepherd. He was cutting off my need for praise. He was driving the dagger into pride and self-worth. He was preparing me for real service—the kind that happens in the living room more than the pulpit.

Men of the Shepherd don’t wait for the world to say, “Go.” We move when God says, “Now.” And if you’re reading this, this is your “Now.”

Stop asking if you’re ready. Stop trying to prove it. You are not leading your family to gain value. You lead because you already have it.

Your worth is in Christ. Not in the church bulletin. Not in the paycheck. Not in how loud your prayers sound.

You are worthy to serve because Jesus served you first.

So stand up. Speak life. Read the Word. Pray over your family. Say sorry first. Forgive quickly. Work hard.

And stop waiting.

Today’s “Shepherding in Action” Value is Spiritual Boldness
A man who walks in spiritual boldness doesn’t wait for approval, he acts in obedience. This strength anchors the home and keeps the family rooted in God’s Word.

Reflect / Apply / Share

1. Reflect – Am I still waiting for someone else to affirm what God has already called me to do?
2. Apply – What one action can I take this week to lead my family boldly without seeking recognition?
3. Share – Who is one younger man I can speak life into and encourage to step up as a spiritual leader?

Bible References (NIV)

1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Personal Prayer

Father, I don’t need the world’s approval. I want to lead my family the way You called me to. Remind me that in You, I am already enough.

These weekday reflections flow from my time in God’s Word. I invite you to join me and other Men of the Shepherd in building Christ-centered homes—leading, discipling, and serving like Jesus.
If these reflections encourage you, please like, share, and pass them on so more men can grow in their calling.
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