We all know that people “scatter” or “perish” without a vision.

Question:  How do people receive a vision?

Answer:  Through a God-inspired visionary!

The source of that vision is the power, presence and intimacy of the Holy Spirit. Paul describes one of the marks of a leader: he or she must have the skill of ‘speaking’ for leadership to be expressed. Why so? Authority flows through speaking gifts. I am yet to meet an authoritative leader who was not gifted as a communicator.

Important thought on loosing the vision:  Don’t ask anyone for permission to communicate the vision. You don’t ever ever ever ask bean counters (that is, the guys on your Board - hello!) for an approval on the God-given vision he has put on your heart.  

Here’s the rub with this vision thing:

What happens with the visionary — as full of vision and speaking skill as he or she may be, is out of it? That person has taken one too many arrows in the shoulder?  Perhaps is suffering with the Big “D” (depression)?  

The good news:  It’s not the end of the world.

The wise news:  Don’t share what you are going through or your medical details with any but absolutely trustworthy individuals.  

I have been smitten myself with bouts of depression — especially after my horrendous accident of a few years ago (see DayIDied.com).  I was emotionally out of control. I felt like I had the flu 168 hours a week for several years. It was absolutely unbearable. In the middle of speaking  at times I would break out in convulsive weeping — not often, but enough to give my critics ammunition to use against me at their most convenient moment.  

I sought medical treatment. One doctor told me, “Anyone in the world would be utterly depressed if they had gone through what you’ve experienced.”

And… it is likely I will be on these meds (yes, more than one to do the trick) for the rest of my life.  

The trade-off? I am perfectly fine!  

Unfortunately, now that I am aware of the symptoms, I see evidence of depression among a huge percentage of my pastor friends.

More Tomorrow…