SCRIPTURE:

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)

DEVOTIONAL:

Vision is more than sight—it is insight. There have been leaders in the past with sight, but no vision. Why is vision so important? It is important because we are coming into a time of difficult days. Second Timothy 3:1 warns us, “that in the last days perilous times shall come.” In the Amplified Bible, the word perilous means “times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]”—all of this is expected to happen in the last days. Vision becomes critical for a leader during these times because people will need guidance. 

Some leaders will not have the wherewithal to navigate through the turbulent storms that are certain to come. Whatever leader is at the helm, they must possess an accurate moral compass that always points toward God. Then, no matter what they face during stormy times, they will have the necessary insight to avoid suffering any loss. They will not need to depend on a man or on this world system. 

We can receive His vision and purpose and walk out the plan He has for our lives. Then, when it is your time to lead, you will be able to fulfill your calling. You may ask, “How do I know God has called me to lead?” The answer is that everyone is called to leadership at some point in his or her life. There will certainly come a time when you will have to step up to the plate and take charge. Leadership is in you, but leadership must be developed. 

When the difficult times arise, leaders spring into action. When problems hit, followers look for someone to solve the problems, but a leader finds solutions and takes action. A leader has the insight to anticipate conditions that do not currently exist, carefully calculating the next strategic step to take. Historically, whether male or female, leaders have always had to stand tall—strong and unmovable—during tough times.

PRAYER:

Dear God, thank you for calling me to lead. I receive Your vision and purpose, and I walk out the plan You have for my life. Thank you for the insight to find the right solutions that are needed for every situation.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

This devotional is excerpted from Bill Winston’s book, The Spirit of Leadership. To order this power-packed resource and discover how to be an effective and visionary leader, click here.

Listen to this devotional here.