Lifting the Load of Ministry Off Your Leader’s Shoulder  - Part II
Vision Protectors
by Dr. John Tetsola

Last month we saw how the apostles were able to uphold the need to spend quality time with God because they had helpers to assist with the load of ministry. Many ministries are destroyed as a result of leaders being removed from the main thrust of vision “to wait on tables.” But there are vision protectors—those who help steer their leader in the vein and thrust of their anointing, thus positioning the work of God for increase and longevity. Many leaders are forced to stand under a weight of ministry that God never ordained. They are expected to do everything from driving out demons, to driving the church bus. But with the refreshing support of a son’s anointing the vision of God is upheld, the work of God is positioned for increase, and the leader’s anointing is protected.

Protecting Your Leader’s Anointing

Now bring me someone who can play the harp. While the harp was being played, the power of the LORD came upon Elisha,

and he said, This is what the LORD says: This dry valley will be filled with pools of water!

…for he will make you victorious over the army of Moab!

2 Kings 3:15-16, 18b (NLT)

A review of the above chapter reveals that three kings: Joram, Jehoshaphat, and the King of Edom joined forces to fight against Moab. But after being in the wilderness and unable to find water for seven days, their armies were on the verge of either dying of thirst, or falling prey to the Moabites. With no way out, they consulted the prophet Elisha. But Elisha’s spirit was so agitated with King Joram’s presence that before he could hear from God on their behalf, his spirit had to be calmed with the music of a minstrel. The agitated state of Elisha’s heart could have sealed the fate of three kings and their armies. It could have been the nails in their coffins—but the music of a minstrel got Elisha’s prophetic juices flowing.

The minstrel helped to steer Elisha away from every source of agitation, into the vein of his anointing. The Bible says that “while the harp was being played, the power of the Lord came upon Elisha.” See the prophetic picture of a vision protector. As the minstrel fanned the flames of Elisha’s anointing, it positioned Elisha to hear from God, and positioned the armies for deliverance. God sent pools of water to the thirsty, and the promise of deliverance to the people. Be a vision protector. It positions the work of God for increase and longevity. Everyone benefits when your leader is allowed to stand in the strength of his anointing.