There’s a quiet part of leadership most people don’t see.
It doesn’t happen under the spotlight, behind a pulpit, or in front of a crowd.
It happens in a place like the Garden of Gethsemane.
Before the miracles.
Before the resurrection.
Before the Church was born—
Jesus went to the Garden.
And in that sacred space, He didn’t preach a sermon.
He wept.
He prayed.
He surrendered.
That’s the part of leadership we often skip over. The part where you’re alone with God, wrestling with the weight of what’s next, not because you’re weak—but because you’re real.
The Garden Is Where Real Leadership Starts
We want to lead with boldness, but are we willing to lead with brokenness?
Jesus showed us that obedience isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s just honest.
“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”
(Luke 22:42, NIV)
That was the moment. Not the nails. Not the crown of thorns.
The yes in the garden was the real beginning of the sacrifice.
And that’s true for us, too.
The pulpit is where words are spoken.
But the garden is where the heart gets aligned.
We Weep in Private Before We Stand in Public
You don’t have to pretend strength you don’t have.
Jesus didn’t.
He sweat like drops of blood (Luke 22:44). He took His inner circle with Him, and still found Himself praying alone.
Some of us are trying to lead without ever letting God lead us first.
Trying to guide others while ignoring the moments God is calling us to pause, to surrender, to kneel.
You can’t skip the garden and expect to endure the cross.
You can’t ignore prayer and expect to walk in purpose.
Obedience Isn’t Always Shouting—Sometimes It’s Surrender
Leadership isn’t about always knowing what to say.
It’s about trusting what God already said.
Even when it hurts.
Even when no one else sees you getting up early to pray, staying up late to study, or quietly weeping over decisions no one else understands.
Jesus could’ve called down legions of angels.
Instead, He chose the path of surrender—because He had already resolved it in the garden.
Final Thought: Don’t Just Lead in the Light—Lead in the Dark Too
If you’re in a garden season right now…
If you’re praying through tears, making hard decisions in secret, or showing up even when you feel empty—
you’re not failing.
You’re following Jesus.
Leadership doesn’t always look like a platform.
Sometimes it looks like a prayer rug.
A journal full of questions.
A whispered, “Nevertheless…”
And that still counts as leadership.
Related Posts
- The Stronghold Might Be Spiritual—Not Situational
- You Were Called for This—Even If You’re Afraid
- Stop Apologizing for Your Healing
District Elder & Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr. is a seasoned IT Accounts Manager and spiritual leader who bridges technology and faith to drive innovation in schools, churches, and communities. With certifications in ITIL, Google Workspace, AI, and church administration, he empowers organizations to thrive through strategic tech integration and leadership.
Discover more from Image of My Father
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr.
District Elder & Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr. is a seasoned IT Accounts Manager and spiritual leader who bridges technology and faith to drive innovation in schools, churches, and communities. With certifications in ITIL, Google Workspace, AI, and church administration, he empowers organizations to thrive through strategic tech integration and leadership.
