Vujà De and You By Ron Haas

Vujà De and that Moment, You Have No Idea About Anything

Organizational guru Karl Weick describes Vujà De as the opposite feeling of Déjà vu. Most are familiar with Déjà vu. It is a French term for the intuitive sense you have when you see or experience something familiar—like you’ve already seen or experienced it before. But with Vujà De, that feeling comes when you say, “I’ve never been here before. I have no idea where I am, and I have no idea who can help me.”

One of the most frustrating feelings in the world is feeling like you don’t know what you’re doing. Joshua must have felt this as he prepared to enter the Promised Land. His mentor, Moses, was gone, and the Lord chose him to lead Israel there.

“When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.”

Josh. 3:3-4

Perhaps God is calling you to a new ministry or to lead your current ministry into uncharted territory. Learn these three lessons from Joshua.

I’ve Never Been Here Before

You may be a rookie with no prior experience to draw on for your new assignment, or you may be a veteran with years of battle scars. Either way, you must view your opportunity with fresh eyes. Some boast of their fundraising experience, saying, “have twenty years in development.” While this may be true, consider your new opportunity a chance to walk by faith, not to replay the greatest hits of the past. Determine to learn and grow personally and professionally through each new challenge.

I Have No Idea Where I Am

In the dark ages before GPS, we used to print off donor trip itineraries. These pre-phone maps would show your destination but not where you were. Now, the little blue dot pinpoints your location. The same is true of your fundraising strategies. We know the final goal but are unsure where we are or what next steps to take. Consider conducting a development audit to assess your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges and understand where you are currently.

I Have No Idea Who Can Help Me

Joshua didn’t have Karl Weick’s problem of Vujà De, not knowing who could help. He knew the Lord had promised to help him,

“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Josh. 1:5

The Lord promises to be with you as you start your new ministry. Solomon taught, “

“Plans are established by seeking advice; so, if you wage war, obtain guidance”

Prov. 20:18

As you begin your new assignment, seek the counsel of a trusted friend, another ministry colleague, or a fundraising professional. You’ll be glad you did.

Think About This

Are you trusting in my fundraising experience to bring you success, or are you trusting in God? Who will receive glory if you succeed?

Response

 Father, I’m facing something I’ve never encountered before. I praise you for being in complete control. Please help me trust you and not my understanding.

####

Ron Haas is the Vice President of the Timothy Group. He has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member, and a fundraising consultant. HHe’sauthored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership AAlliance’sOutcomes magazine.

Experience where leaders come and bring their best for the good of all!

Early registration savings are now through January 31, 2025!

Register Today!

---