MARCH 15, 2019
LEADERSHIP, VISION & PROCESS
Of the twelve (12) principles needed to fulfil the vision, we have discussed the following five (5) in preceding weeks:
- Be Directed by a Clear Vision
- Know Your Potential for Fulfilling Vision
- Develop a Concrete Plan for Your Vision
- Possess the Passion of Vision
- Develop the Faith of Vision
Today, we will look at the sixth principle, “Understand the Process of Vision”. A process is not an event but a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.
In Jeremiah 29:11, God tells us “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end”. The word end is the final outcome or the fulfilment of our God given vision(s). Leaders plan according to their vision statements. Proverbs 16:9 tells us that God brings these plans to pass through a process or a gradual series of events, actions or steps. But he rarely makes us aware of each of the series of events, actions or steps. He shows us the end from the beginning but rarely shows us what is in-between the beginning and the end, that is, the steps and actions beforehand. All leaders must grapple with this at one time on their journey to fulfilling vision. The vision creates the hunger and passion to chase for fulfilment even though we do not have perfect knowledge as to how to do this beforehand.
DEPENDENCY DURING PROCESS
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps—Proverbs 16:9”
Steps in the above scripture refers to the process required to accomplish the plans in the heart of man. Why does God show us the end from the beginning and yet does not show us beforehand the elaborate process, steps and actions to take that lead to the end?
Different people have weighed in on this leadership dilemma. Rick Joyner, the founder of MorningStar Ministries says it’s because if we knew the entire process, some might say no to the vision/assignment right from the beginning. We might not agree to the vision if we know the hurdles and yes sometimes tribulations that we might have to overcome to get to the fulfilment of vision. If Joseph, one of the most transformational leaders of all time, knew that for his dreams and visions to come to pass, he must first be betrayed by his siblings and sold into slavery, he might not have been very enthused about the fulfilment of his dreams. The late Dr. Myles Munroe believes God leads us this way because “He doesn’t want us only to win; He wants us to win with style. God’s desire is to fashion people with character and battle scars who can say, “God didn’t just hand me this vision. I have qualified for it.”. For Dr. Munroe, the route to the fulfilment of vision (the process) prepares us for the destination. When we receive visions, we are not ready to handle the responsibility that comes with their fulfilment but the process of reaching and stretching for the attainment of the vision makes us ready. Rick Joyner puts it this way: By Jesus’ stripes, he heals the sick. By our stipes, we too are given the privilege to minister to those who are where we once were. For example, a person who was once an armed robber can be anointed to minister to people in such situations. Through our scars contracted during process, we qualify to minister to others in the same situation. Any leader without scars is only a fake leader. Our scars give us compassion for those suffering with what we once suffered. And compassion is requisite to releasing the genuine anointing of God.
But again, why does God lead us this way? I submit that this is how God prepares us to bring him pleasure. Hebrews 11:6 explains that without faith it is impossible to please God. If God told us the process (with every step to be taken on the journey to fulfilment beforehand), where would be the place for having faith and dependency on God?
But again, why does God lead us this way? I submit that ultimately it is for our own glory. It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings (Proverbs 25:2).
But again, why does God lead us this way? I submit that ultimately it is for our spiritual development. James 1:4 (KJV) reads, “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing”. When men receive visions, they want it accomplished in the shortest possible time. But Habakkuk 2:3 lets us know that all visions have an appointed time of fulfillment—not in the present but in the future. Vision describes the end, and it will be fulfilled in the future. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. The process of vision works patience in us and when patience has had its full or perfect work in us, we will be perfect, wanting for nothing—ready for what responsibility awaits us at the fulfilment of vision. There are many who, for instance, not being ready for wealth and influence inherited large estates. Instead of that wealth being a blessing to them, it became a curse to the unprepared. Process is important.
When we cannot see the full picture, we should simply trust the one who gives the vision (God) and take things a day at a time. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34). A step at a time enables us to stay dependent on the ONE who sees all and knows the entire process. Dependency on the source of the vision is one of our greatest assets.
CONCLUSION
Between when we receive vision and when it is fulfilled, we will go through a series of gradual steps and actions called PROCESS. Process may entail tribulation or trials, troubles, sufferings, pressure, affliction and even hardship. If anyone wants to become a transformational leader s/he must learn to glory in these tribulations. But why? Because the summary of what process accomplishes in us is captured in the following verses of scripture:
Romans 5:3-5 (AMPC)
3 Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance.
4 And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.
5 Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.
Process produces in us all that we need to be good stewards of fulfilled visions namely:
- patience and unswerving endurance (fortitude)
- maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity)
- joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation
Any leader possessing the above will never be disappointed, deluded or shamed.
