"I can't admit I'm struggling or people will lose faith in my leadership."
How it sounds in your head: You're supposed to be the strong one, the one with answers. If they knew how much you're battling, they'd question everything you've taught them. Leaders can't afford to be weak.
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us."
-- 2 Corinthians 4:7Religious system created unrealistic expectation that leaders must project invulnerability instead of modeling dependence on God.
She's spent decades being the one people lean on, and admitting struggle feels like pulling the foundation out from under those who trust her leadership.
Jeremiah publicly declared 'I am in derision daily, everyone mocks me, I said I will not speak in His name anymore'—raw, honest struggle. God didn't remove him; Jeremiah became one of the major prophets, proving transparent struggle doesn't disqualify leadership.
I REFUSE the lie that I must hide my humanity to maintain my ministry. IT IS WRITTEN: 'We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.' The treasure was NEVER me—it was always Him. IT IS WRITTEN in Hebrews 4:15 that even Jesus our High Priest sympathizes with our weaknesses, proving vulnerability in leadership reflects Him, not betrays Him. The BARAK blessing protected Jacob the deceiver and Abraham the liar—it's not contingent on my appearing perfect. My weakness showcases HIS power. I receive permission to be human, to struggle openly, to model dependence instead of pretending independence. The treasure is secure because HE is secure.
The Father isn't waiting for you to maintain an image. He's running toward you saying, 'Let them see you're clay—so they'll see MY treasure shining through the cracks.' He's not disappointed in your struggle; He's inviting you into the freedom of authentic dependence that will minister more than polished performance ever could.