Helping people move into a desired future is what leadership is really all about. For that to happen, you have to prepare yourself and them for what’s coming.

There’s a great illustration from the life of Elijah the prophet (1 Kings 18.41-46). After a 3 year drought, Elijah prays for it to rain and sees just a small cloud on the horizon, but tells those with him to get moving or they’ll get wet because rain is on the way. Elijah had an idea of what was coming because:

• he knew what he was praying for (expecting)
• so he knew what to be looking  for & where to be looking for it
• which helped him know how to prepare himself and others

So often we’re praying for something for our church or organization and yet when it comes we’re not ready to capitalize on it. Growth comes in waves and to catch the coming wave it’s important to begin preparing those you lead when the small cloud is on the horizon. Once the sky is filled with black clouds or rain is falling – it’s too late. Fail to prep for a wave and momentum flat lines – growth is stunted – and it takes twice the energy just to get back what was lost.

Don’t be all wet. Prepare yourself and those you lead for what’s coming.

What are you praying for and expecting God to do?
Does that give you some idea of what to look for and where to look?