Vision Essentials 19

Prepared And Ready

As we approach the end of the year – with winter taking hold – we often want to reflect on, and comfort ourselves with, what we’ve accomplished over the year. For most leaders this usually calls for thanksgiving and celebration, as well as noting the many lessons learnt over the period. Others don’t like to look back for fear of what they might see and the failures they might have to take responsibility for. Regardless of whether we evaluate or not, at this time of the year we generally look forward to a much-needed time of R&R – rest and recuperation. R&R is most important as we need to refuel in order to keep moving forward. However, I consider P&R (preparedness and readiness) to be much better for leaders to pursue as they look to start a new year with new aspiration and vision. P&R does take into consideration rest and recuperation, but this shouldn’t be left till the end of the year. Over the year leaders must pace themselves, taking R&R at scheduled times so we’re not taking 2-4 weeks off as we approach the year end. This should be specifically for P&R.

Get Prepared

Leaders and team members need to get prepared for what lies ahead so they can effectively inspire and motivate members to reach for, and achieve, great things. In preparing for the new campaign the leader must  . . . 

1.      Resource self

This involves taking time to rest; to refresh your spirit; to get filled up; to fellowship with the Father; to be clear about the plan going forward; to pray and fast so you’re in optimum condition

2.      Resource the people

We do this by giving members a clear picture of the future vision, encouraging them to commit to it and orientate their lives around it. We must let our people know that everyone matters and because of that all need to contribute to the execution of the vision in some way. We encourage them to seek refreshment for their spirit, to pray and fast that we’ll be united, having one heart as we strive to attain

Be Ready

Knowing what you’re reaching for is important; preparing yourself to do it is equally important, but you cannot overlook:

1.      Having a specific launch date

Having a starting point for the vision campaign is a must. If you don’t, drift will take place, the people will lose interest and the vision will lose momentum. A launch date will give you leverage to build motivation and focus – believe me, it’s what people need. It gives opportunity to bring the people together and unite them around a single cause – advancing a vision they’ve bought into; it’s the point where faith moves into creative action and the ‘power of everyone’ is released

2.      Arriving at a place of readiness

This is when you know everyone knows what is to happen; everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing and when; resources have been secured; the foundational prayers have been prayed; everyone participating has their tools (gifts) at the ready; people’s hearts and spirits are focussed – we’re all ready for action!

As leaders we must give ourselves time to make necessary preparations for the next phase of the vision in order to arrive at a place of readiness. Prepare in order to be ready; be ready in order to accomplish! 

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

The great cry of our heart is that [Yahweh] will help us to be ready for whatever he has for us
BOB PIERCE

There are four steps to accomplishment: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently.
MAC’S GIANT BOOK OF QUIPS & QUOTES – by E C McKenzie

It pays to plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark
ANON

Jeremiah 29:11-14a (NIV)
‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares [Yahweh], ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares [Yahweh].

Acts 4:32-33 (NLT)
All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.  The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord [Yahshua], and [Yahweh’s] great blessing was upon them all.

Heavenly Father, you know the state of my heart and life yet you’ve laid a vision on my heart for this congregation. I need your help to prepare myself and the people to fully participate in it. There isn’t much time so help me to redeem it and use what I have efficiently to refresh my spirit; to quieten myself before you and seek your face; to articulate, clearly, to our members what you want us to achieve over the coming year and to encourage them to see it, understand it and commit to it fully.

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