How to Lead Through Pain – Part 1

 When the Wound Is Still Open

by Counselling With Conviction

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
— Psalm 147:3 (NIV)

There’s a sacred kind of ache—the one that hasn’t fully healed yet. 

The one that lingers even as you show up to lead. 

The one that reminds you you’re not invincible, not immune, and not the hero.

Pain that’s still open is the kind that God doesn’t rush.
And yet, in our roles as leaders, counselors, pastors, mentors—we’re often expected to push through it.

But what if we didn’t?

What if we led from that very place, not in performance, but in dependence?

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⚠️ Leading While Bleeding

Many of us have led in seasons where we were silently breaking.

We preached peace while privately panicking.
We offered hope while hiding our grief.
We said, “I’m fine” because that’s what we thought leaders were supposed to say.

But Scripture gives us a better way.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)

You don’t have to be the treasure.
You just have to be the jar.

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💔 The Pattern of Pain in God’s People

Moses led while grieving.
David ruled while running.
Paul wrote letters of encouragement while imprisoned and afflicted.
And Jesus? Jesus led His disciples all the way to the cross while carrying the weight of our sin and sorrow.

“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.”
— Isaiah 53:3 (NIV)

If our Savior didn’t lead from comfort, we shouldn't expect comfort to be a requirement for our calling either.

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🧠 You Are Not Disqualified

Some will say:
“But I’ve failed too many times.”
“I’m too broken to lead anyone.”

And to that, Scripture responds:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

If you’re in a season of weakness—you’re in the perfect position for God’s power to shine.

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🕊️ An Invitation, Not a Performance

This isn’t a call to parade your pain.
It’s a call to stop pretending that healing is a prerequisite for usefulness.

The wound may still be open,
but that doesn’t mean God is done with you.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

Your leadership may not look like it used to.
But it may look more like Christ than ever before.

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💛 Final Word

If your hands are trembling and your heart is heavy,
you’re in good company.

You are not leading alone.
You are not expected to be enough.
You are a jar of clay, filled with the power of the Living God.

And yes—even with the wound still open—
you can lead.