Vision and Provision
When a leader plans for the future, they must anticipate the resources needed to accomplish any idea that is planned. Now there are two approaches to this planning process. One involves walking by faith the other walking by sight.
One can plan according to the resources one has – taking stock of the current inventory and then planning accordingly. Planning based upon what we see we currently have ‘in stock’ can be wise, but it is also limiting. We are not free to dream, take bigger faith initiatives, or think beyond what our current limited resources allow us to do.
For Kingdom leaders a better approach would be to ask the Lord, “What would you have me/us to accomplish?” Having gotten clear direction on that goal, we then look to the Lord Himself to provide the necessary resources to accomplish the task He has assigned.
In John 6:1-13 we see Jesus asking the Twelve to feed 5000 people. Note that this was simply a developmental question for Philip (v. 5-6) “…for he already had in mind what he was going to do.” Andrew answers by looking to the resources that they currently have on hand – not much. “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” (v. 9) NIV 1984
Then Jesus springs into action. He has them sit down. Then, taking what they had, the boy’s lunch of bread and fish, He provides for the current need. He blesses food and the Twelve distributed it to the seated masses. Note that those who were seated got “as much as they wanted” (v. 11) and that they even had twelve baskets of leftovers.
God’s provision for whatever task He asks of us is not limited to whatever current provision we have. Rather, we have access to unlimited resources to accomplish whatever He may ask us to do. His provision will come in such a way that we are assured it is from Him, for then He will receive the glory. And His provision will be abundant, lavish, to the point of even having excess. Note too the stewardship of the excess. Jesus said to the disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” (v. 12).
As you think about the future plans that He has for you what perspective do you have regarding the resources needed? Are you planning based upon what you see or what you can trust Him for?
Developing Kingdom Leaders - Tom Yeakley 