Visionary Leadership: Take Stock

by Rev. Chrysantha Tillekeratne
(Veliveriya, Sri Lanka)

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side? Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" Mark 4:35-41

When Jesus called his disciples to go to the other side, they were on "this side" of the lake. Now that is where you hear God?s voice. Planning towards the vision must be done on "this side".

Never be in a hurry to go for the vision in the absence of proper planning.
Planning involves taking stock of your surroundings. It is the second principle in Visionary leadership.

When God gives you a vision, he also gives you resources to fulfill the vision. Do not forget that your greatest resource is your people. Jesus had a boat ready and of course, the twelve disciples. Take a look around and see the marvelous hand of God at work. Do not despise the day of small things. (Zech 4:10). Be faithful to the little things and much will be given. (Mt 25:21)

Next, you got to get going at the place you hear his voice. In other words you need to bloom where you are. Unless you do just that the Lord will not take you forward.