The Fog and the Mountain

"Where there is no vision, the people perish." (Proverbs 29:18 KJV) "Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it." (Habakkuk 2:2)Imagine a group of hikers lost in a thick, gray fog in the mountains.

They are cold, tired, and frightened. They cannot see five feet in front of them. They start arguing."We should go left!" says one."No, we should stop here!" says another.Panic sets in. They are walking in circles, wasting energy.

Then, one hiker climbs up a tall tree. He climbs above the fog line. From the top, he sees the sun. He sees the destination—a warm cabin on the next ridge. He climbs back down into the fog and says, "Follow me!

I know where we are going. It’s this way." This is the definition of a Leader .A leader is not just someone with a loud voice. A leader is someone who has Vision . They can see further than others. They have "climbed the tree" through prayer and wisdom to see what God wants to do next.

Managers maintain what already exists (they organize the hikers in the fog). Leaders move people toward a new future (they lead them out of the fog). If you are leading a family, a business, or a ministry, your people are looking to you for direction.

If you don't know where you are going, you cannot expect them to follow. A leader without a vision is just taking a walk.

(Tap to expand)Theologically, Vision is Sanctified Imagination .It is looking at the broken reality of the world (what is ) and seeing the redeemed reality of God (what could be ). Nehemiah looked at a pile of rubble and saw a wall.

Moses looked at a slave nation and saw a free people. Jesus looked at a cross and saw the salvation of the world. However, there is a dangerous line between Vision and Ambition . Selfish Ambition: "I want to build a great tower to make a name for myself."

(Tower of Babel). This is about your glory. Godly Vision: "I want to build something that solves a problem for God’s people." (Nehemiah). This is about His glory. Godly vision is usually Redemptive .

It doesn't just ask, "How can I get bigger?" It asks, "What is broken that God wants to fix, and how can I help?" Reflect on this:If you got everything you are currently working for, would the world be better, or would you just be richer?

True vision always blesses others. Ask yourself: "What is the 'cabin' I am leading my family or team toward?" Can you describe it clearly? 👣 Take a Step Vision must be visible. Habakkuk says to "Write the vision...

so he may run who reads it." If it isn't written down, it isn't a vision; it's a daydream.This week, take 30 minutes to write a "Vision Statement" for one area of your life (your marriage, your career, or your ministry)."

In one year, I want [this area] to look like..."Make it plain.