Visionary Leaders Usually Live Lonely Lives

“For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” For even His brothers did not believe in Him.” — John 7:4 - 5 NKJV

One time, Jesus’ biological brothers asked Him to go to Judaea in order to perform miracles for others to see him and also attend the Festival of Tabernacles. Jesus initially refused to go because of two reasons.

The Judeans sought to kill Him (John 7:1).
He didn’t come to please people but God.

However, when you read further down that same John 7, the Bible says His own brothers didn’t believe in Jesus. In other words, they didn’t believe in God’s vision He was carrying upon His life. I don’t see that attitude of people changing today.

It’s common to see the biological family members of almost all visionary leaders abandon them or disbelieve in their vision, especially in the early stages of conception of that vision. Why? Because vision forces a person to live differently, and since many people are used to living normally, that person can become a threat to them.

Throughout Jesus’ three-plus years in earthly ministry, He rarely visited home (Nazareth). Only His mother, Mary, followed Him more frequently. Have you asked yourself why Joseph’s name wasn’t mentioned that much in the life of Jesus? How about the names of His siblings? You may not even know some of them, except for John.

Visionary leaders usually live lonely lives. I speak like this because I’ve experienced it before. Sometimes, nobody believes in what they are building because what they carry is unique in the eyes of everyone.

Note that I didn’t say, “visionary leaders live alone.” No. Some do, but most don’t because loneliness and aloneness are two different ways of life.

A visionary leader can be married and may still have to convince his spouse (especially the wife) to understand his vision. His marriage solves his aloneness, but the lack of people understanding his vision leaves Him lonely at certain times in his life. Many people liked being around Jesus for what He gave them, but few people (if any) prayed for Him.

If you have the opportunity to be around a visionary leader, seek to understand his vision before demanding so much of his time. Once you apprehend what God is building through him, you’ll love being his life companion in his work. Stay under His leadership as long as he leads you to Jesus.

You’re a blessing.

Prayer

Father, I pray for every visionary leader on the face of this earth. Support their work, first with like-minded people and all other resources to fulfil Your vision for them. Sharpen their leadership skills to train people. Solve their loneliness, Lord, by giving them a committed team. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Devotional Code: KGD – 2023 – 044