Three, A Leader with A Sense of Destiny Understands The Signs Of Time. 

From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take (2 Chon 12:2).

The men of Issachar numbered about 200. Although small in numbers, they were men of great skill compared to the many other tribes in that they had understood the times in agriculture such as discerning the weather for ploughing, sowing reaping, etc. In politics, they knew what Israel ought to do - like making David king at the critical juncture.  In ceremonial times, the times appointed for the solemn feasts, they are said to call the people to the mountain (Deut 33:19).  We also read of the princes of Issachar (Judges 5:15) who knew how to rule.

Just as the men of Issachar understood the times and knew what to do,  likewise, leaders must learn to discern the signs of the times in this present ever changing world. They need to pray to God for wisdom what to do and how best to do it as they lead others. 

Four,  A Leader With A Sense Of Destiny Is Visionary.

Leaders with a sense of destiny are also visionaries. They are committed and dedicated to a cause turning the vision into a living reality. They have the abilities to see further than others and visualise the future using the eyes of faith. They may see extraordinary things that no human eye has ever seen or may bring new perspectives to commonplace things that the rest of us have seen all along, but taken for granted."^[1] One of the hallmarks of visionary leadership lies in the translation of positive intentions into tangible results".^[2]     

What is a Vision?

A vision is like a "magnifying glass which creates focus, a bridge which takes us from the present to the future, a target that beckons."^[3]  It is "spawned by faith, sustained by hope, sparked by imagination and strengthened by enthusiasm. It is greater than sight, deeper than a dream, broader than an idea. Vision encompasses vast vistas outside the realm of the predictable, the safe, the expected."^[4] Vision involves foresight and insight, optimism and hope.^[5] In other words, “Vision is foresight with insight based on hindsight".^[6] It is not "our private view of the future but the view of our future inspired by God".^[7]

Obtaining a Vision

Where does this vision originate? The vision usually originates from God. It is birthed by God in us. He creates the vision  and we receive it.  It becomes a rallying point, a goal toward which we move the people. According to Maxwell (2009:40-42), the way to obtain a vision is to: 

• Look within you - What do you feel?
• Look behind you - What have you learned?
• Look around you - What is happening to others?
• Look ahead of you - What is the big picture?
• Look above you - What does God expect of you?
• Look beside you - What resources are available to you?

Vision reminds what leaders are trying to do - "to  build — and why it matters. It is about painting a picture of a better future. it comes down to pointing the way and saying, "C'mon. We can do this."^[8]  It is the lifeblood of any organization because it keeps the organisation moving forward and provides meaning to  the day to day challenges  and setbacks according to  Michael Hyatt. ^[9] The very essence of leadership is "to have a vision. It's got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet (Theodore Hesburgh). Vision must lead to action because "vision without action is daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare" (Jap proverb).

Leaders provide vision so that the followers won't lose the bigger picture. All effective leaders have a vision of what they must accomplish. That vision becomes the energy behind every effort   and the force that pushes through all the problems.  With a vision, the leader is on a mission.  His or her contagious spirit is felt among the crowd until others begin to rise alongside (Maxwell 2009: 40).

Like Moses, leaders with visions from God will be like Moses who "endured as seeing him who is invisible". The difference between one with vision and one without is like the servant of Elisha who saw the encircling enemy while Elisha saw the invisible hosts of heaven (2 Kings 6). Other examples of people with a vision include Jesus Christ, Paul and others. 

Five,  A Leader With A Sense Of Destiny Is A Himpossible Thinker ^[10]

Leaders with a sense of destiny are Himpossible thinkers - optimistic in outlook and solution-oriented.  Impossibilities become possibilities because of who God is. They believe strongly   "With God nothing is impossible" (Luke 1:37). They are characterised by faith - dare to believe, dare to be different and willing to take calculated  risk.

Himpossible thinkers make decisions base on the future and not the past. They seek to be faithful, do their best, and in everything they do exhibit excellence and finish well. They also  lead with a positive attitude and empowers the people. Obstacles are seen as stepping stones and not as stumbling blocks.  In every difficult situation, they discern opportunities. They live by the following creed:  

Himpossible Thinker's Creed

When my journey is disrupted,

Along a path unexpected;

I will not be downhearted,

But continue on undefeated.

When my plans are rejected,

And hopes completely shattered;

I will not be weak minded,

For soon my dreams will be transcended.

Whatever troubles may arise,

And my strength seems paralysed;

I will not be demoralized,

Because tomorrow the sun will rise again.

As I begin to visualize,

My problems will vapourize;

My plans will materialize,

When I let God take charge of my life.

                                                        JLTK