When you are shepherding people & leading organizations, there is a part for you to play and a part God has to play. Simple enough right? But the truth is pastors and leaders can get confused on just what their part is. Here’s a principle that has helped me keep my focus on what I can influence.

I can only influence the INPUT = stuff like teaching truth, organizational systems & prayer – I have to trust the OUTPUT = stuff like how people receive that truth & are transformed, what organizational systems create and the timing of answered prayer – to God.

For results oriented people this can be tough, but releasing my futile attempt to control the end result has helped me in 5 ways:
- exercising faith by relying on God for the aspects of OUTPUT I can’t control
- keeps me focused & faithful to the INPUT elements God has entrusted to me
- ensures I can’t snatch the glory due to God alone when all is going “right”
- helps me remember to include God in the INPUT process as well as trust Him for the OUTPUT
- helps me keep my sanity when I don’t se the results I want

The Apostle Paul said it like this in 1 Corinthians 3.6- we (Paul & Apollos) plant & water (INPUT) and God brings the increase (OUTPUT). I think this is the marriage God had in mind when He made man to co-create with Him.

The fact of the matter is that we can never really control the OUTPUT anyway. It’s only when we come to understand the balance of God’s part and our role that keeps us focused & gives us assurance we’re being faithful to what  God has called us to do.

Is it difficult for you to trust God with the OUTPUT? Why or why not?