Vision: Waiting Through Delays

Galatians 6:9

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

One of the challenges and necessities of strong leadership is vision. Any leader, in business, in church, and even in a family, needs vision. It is the fuel that keeps us moving in our personal and professional lives. Vision is absolutely essential in a forward-thinking organization. But that doesn’t mean that vision comes easily or automatically. It takes things such as creativity, assessment, and conviction. And even with those things in place, vision can still be delayed.

So what does a leader do, especially a spiritual leader, when that vision isn’t clear? How does one move forward when uncertainty and anxiety tempt a leader to prematurely act in haste? Those questions bring us to another clear attribute of leadership - patience. A wise leader waits patiently and does not act impulsively. Patience is clearly an attribute for every leader to cultivate.

If you are familiar with the Old Testament book of Nehemiah, then you will know that it is often used to convey principles of leadership, especially spiritual leadership. While that is certainly not the only or even the main truth of the book of Nehemiah, leadership is clearly seen in thirteen chapters of the book. One principle that is displayed in Nehemiah is the ability to be patient and wait. Nehemiah received word about the living conditions of those in Jerusalem. The people were “in great distress,” according to Nehemiah 1:3, and the city was in disarray because the walls of protection had fallen and the gates had been burned. It was a tragic scene and this news was a burden to Nehemiah.

Sounds like it was time to go to work and jump into action, right? However, according to Nehemiah, several months passed, perhaps 4 - 6 months in fact, before he began the work. Why wait? Why would Nehemiah, who had been so moved by the news he heard about the people and the city of Jerusalem wait on God? You will have to read on in the book of Nehemiah and glean the full extent of those lessons for yourself. However, one thing is clear. While Nehemiah waited, God was working on the heart of the king. And the end result? Nehemiah received approval from the king to leave and go work on the rebuilding. But not only did he receive approval, he also received resources from the King. God was working all of this while Nehemiah patiently waited.

Leadership is challenging, especially when voices around a leader are pushing and even coercing or manipulating for a direction. A wise leader, especially a spiritual leader, will wait for God with patience and endurance knowing that behind the scenes. God is at work to do His will. And to act prematurely, presumptuously, or without clarity delays what God has for us.

Scripture warns us of an enemy. Galatians 6:9 says, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” The enemy of patience is fatigue and weariness. Here is what can happen to a leader. The voices around him get louder and louder. The pressure around him gets tighter and tighter. The stress around him gets heavier and heavier. And the leader feels the need to do something…anything! In fact, a leader may even hear others saying something like, “Just do something.”

The truth is a spiritual leader is doing something. He is actively waiting, watching, and listening for the Holy Spirit to speak and looking for just the right time to act. And that takes patience!

Maybe today you find yourself looking for a fresh vision, a next step, and a clear path. You have assembled a team around you to discuss, you have assessed where you are, and you have even creatively thought about new opportunities. But as of yet, you are not convinced of the next move. I encourage you to wait, to wait patiently for God’s Spirit to move.

One of my heroes is Adrian Rogers, the longtime pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN. One Tuesday, several pastors were meeting with him, and the subject of waiting came up for discussion. I heard Pastor Rogers make this statement, “The only thing worse than waiting on God is wishing that you had.” I have never forgotten that statement.

So today, patiently wait for clarity, for direction, for wisdom, and for vision. In the end, you and the church, business, or family you lead will be better off knowing you waited on God’s timing for God’s plan.