How to Lead through Discouragement and Regain Momentum

What to do when Motivation Runs Dry

I’ll be honest—I’ve been wrestling with discouragement.

We’re nearing the end of the year, reflecting on what’s been built and what’s ahead. Personally, we’re deep in the process of creating a new Heaven in Business Growth Path, a full training program to equip the next generation of kingdom leaders around the world.

But lately, I’ve found myself staring at screens, sidestepping the hard work, wondering, “Is this even worth it?”

After 15 years of seeing God move in boardrooms, businesses, and nations, I still hit moments where my motivation dries up. Maybe you’ve been there too, doing good work, seeing fruit, but feeling the weight of unmet expectations. You thought people would jump in, multiply what you’ve built, or respond faster… but they haven’t.

That’s where I was when God brought me back to the story of Elijah.

From Fire on the Mountain to the Broom Tree

You’ll find it in 1 Kings 17–19 - the story of Elijah, the prophet who confronted Israel’s corrupt leadership. He stood against Ahab and Jezebel, who had led the nation into worshipping Baal (the god of rain and increase) and Asherah (the goddess of fertility and pleasure).

Elijah declared, “It will not rain until I say so.” He confronted the false gods of productivity and pleasure head-on, and God backed him up.

Then came the showdown at Mount Carmel. Fire fell from Heaven. The crowd shouted, “The Lord, He is God!” It was the moment every leader dreams of: public validation, demonstration of power, breakthrough… revival. Then Elijah prayed and God made it rain!

But the next day… nothing changed.

No national repentance. No reformation. Just silence. Verbal assent lacked heart-led follow-through.

So Elijah ran. Gutted. Drained. Disappointed. Sitting under a broom tree - a small desert shrub with deep roots but shallow shade - he said, “I’ve had enough, Lord.”

That’s where I found myself: still rooted in faith, but living with “just enough.” Adequate. Surviving, not thriving.

God’s Response to Discouragement

What’s amazing is how God responds.

He doesn’t rebuke Elijah. He doesn’t shame him for losing steam or perspective.

Instead, He gives him a nap and a meal. Then another nap and another meal.

Sometimes, leadership recovery starts that simple - rest, nourishment, quiet.

Then Elijah journeys 40 days to Mount Horeb. There, God reveals Himself again - but not in a power encounter - fire, thunder, or shaking. This time, it’s the still small voice.

And that’s where everything shifts.

God doesn’t say, “Go prove yourself again.”

He says, “Go back the way you came and anoint others.”

In other words – You haven’t failed or finished. Carmel wasn’t the end, it was the beginning. Stop trying to win through power moments or platform following or performance badge; start multiplying through people.

Success is not success without succession.

From Platform to Process

That hit me good. I realized I’d been measuring fruitfulness by external results - attendance, sign-ups, engagement, results, testimonies... But God was reminding me: His kingdom grows through discipleship.

It’s not about one big breakthrough moment; it’s about steady mentoring, developing people who will surpass us.

That’s where we’re refocusing Heaven in Business - not just to inspire, but to equip and multiply.

Our Growth Path is designed to do exactly that: help leaders partner with God, build better business, and multiply kingdom impact—one person, one system, one city at a time.

If You’re Discouraged Right Now…

You’re not alone.
You haven’t failed.
You may just be under your own broom tree.

Take a rest.
Take a meal.
Then listen again for that still small voice reminding you of your assignment.

Go back the way you came.
Mentor. Multiply. Rebuild with people.

Three Keys to Regain Momentum

1. Refocus on Intimacy, Not Activity.

Intimacy is about authenticity and trust-building surrender, not a burning sacrifice. Return to relationship before rushing back into results.

2. Redefine Success.

Success isn’t what you achieve - it’s who you develop. Who are you mentoring, discipling, or raising up?

3. Recommit to Multiplication.

Build systems and people that outlast you. Reformation happens through discipleship, not just revival moments.

Final Encouragement

If you’re feeling weary, may this be your reminder:
God hasn’t left you. He’s inviting you back into His presence—where purpose and power realign.

You’re not finished.
You’re being refined.

As Elijah discovered, the same God who brought fire to the mountain also whispers life in the silence.

So eat, rest, listen—and then lead again.

Want to go deeper?

Explore our upcoming Heaven in Business Growth Path to rediscover how to partner with God, build better business, and multiply kingdom impact.
👉 heaveninbusiness.com/growth-path

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