Tyler had always been independent. Growing up, he prided himself on being self-reliant and making his own decisions. He worked hard to carve out his path in life and didn’t like the idea of anyone telling him what to do. But now, as a young adult attending church, Tyler found himself struggling with the idea of spiritual leadership. His lady pastor often spoke about obedience and submission to those in authority, but Tyler couldn’t help but feel resistant. Why should I trust anyone else to guide me? I can figure things out on my own, he thought.

One Sunday morning, during the sermon, lady pastor Lisa read Hebrews 13:17:
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”

Tyler felt the verse hit him like a wake-up call. He had always thought of leadership as people trying to control or limit him, but the Scripture painted a different picture. The leaders God placed in his life weren’t there to dominate or micromanage him; they were there to watch over his soul, to guide him closer to God, and to carry the heavy responsibility of leading others in faith. Tyler suddenly realized how much responsibility his lady pastor and other spiritual leaders shouldered, and how his resistance or lack of support might have made their work harder.

That evening, Tyler took some time to reflect on his attitude. He thought about the times he had ignored advice from his church leaders or pushed back against their guidance, not because they were wrong, but because he didn’t want to let go of control. He felt a pang of guilt as he realized that his resistance didn’t just affect him, it could also discourage those who were faithfully serving God by leading others.

Tyler prayed, “God, I know I’ve been prideful and resistant to the leaders You’ve placed in my life. Help me to trust them and to see that their role is to help me grow in You. Teach me to submit with humility and to encourage them in their work.”

From that day forward, Tyler made a conscious effort to change. He began to approach his pastor and small group leader with questions, seeking their wisdom and trusting their guidance. Instead of rolling his eyes at church announcements or leadership decisions, he prayed for his leaders, asking God to give them wisdom and strength. He even volunteered to serve in a ministry, recognizing that leadership wasn’t an easy task and wanting to be part of the solution instead of contributing to the burden.

Over time, Tyler noticed a change in his heart. By trusting and supporting his leaders, he found himself growing spiritually in ways he hadn’t expected. He realized that submission wasn’t about losing control, it was about trusting that God was working through the people He had placed in his life. And as he built stronger relationships with his leaders, he saw first-hand the love, care and dedication they poured into their calling.

Years later, when Tyler was asked to step into a leadership role at his church, he accepted with humility. He understood the weight of the responsibility, but he also remembered how much it had meant to him when others had supported and trusted his leaders. Now, as someone who watched over others, he was grateful for the lessons God had taught him about submission, trust, and the beauty of godly leadership.

Hebrews 13:17 reminds us of the importance of trusting and supporting the leaders God has placed in our lives. Spiritual leadership is a heavy responsibility, as leaders are accountable to God for those they guide. When we resist their guidance out of pride or mistrust, we not only make their work harder but also miss out on the spiritual growth God wants to bring into our lives. By submitting with humility and encouraging our leaders, we honour God and create an environment where everyone can thrive in faith.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the leaders You have placed in our lives to guide us and watch over our souls. For the reader who struggles with trusting or submitting to leadership, I pray that You soften their heart and help them to see that leadership is a calling from You. Give them the humility to follow with grace and the wisdom to discern godly guidance. Protect and strengthen their leaders, filling them with wisdom, courage, and joy in their work. May we all work together to glorify You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let this story and prayer remind you: Leadership is a God-given responsibility, and submission to it is an act of trust in Him. Encourage and pray for your leaders, knowing that their work is for your good and God’s glory. Trust that God is working through them, and let their guidance draw you closer to the Lord.