Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he (Proverbs 29:18 KJV).
Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction (Proverbs 29:18 NIV).
When you look at the word's meaning, vision has two implications. The first is “the faculty or state of being able to see.” The second meaning, and the one my focus is on, says, “the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom.” Having an imagination is ok; it’s what makes children happy when they use it. However, when you think about and plan your vision with “wisdom,” you know that God is in the mix, and you cannot go wrong with Him.
You can be generally good, not bother anyone, and have people’s best interests at heart. But there will still be individuals who don’t see or understand your vision. If God gave you that vision and the wisdom to follow through, keep going until it comes to fruition.
I’m reminded of some of the lyrics to the song “He’s Able” by Deitrick Vaughn Haddon: God is able to do just what he said he would do. He's gonna fulfill every promise to you. Don't give up on God cause he won't give up on you. He's able. Then it says, Has anybody ever wanted to give up? Has anybody ever wanted to throw in the towel? (Haddon). I’ve been there and done that, and God constantly flashes a vision he wants for my life in front of me.
I remember having a vision of wanting to give encouraging words and help people feel good about themselves. When God called me into the ministry, I kept saying for a long time — “I can’t preach, write, or pray.” I felt like no one would want to listen to me. Looking back, I can see I’ve always been hard on myself. Thankfully, God showed me that my ministry doesn’t have to be behind a pulpit and that my gifts will make room for my vision. It’s been a wonderful, spiritual feeling to receive messages from people regarding how a letter, communication with me, or our prayers together were life-changing.
Sometimes we must encourage ourselves with God's word to stay focused on the goals of our vision. This scripture in either of these versions will give us the strength to keep going. 2nd Chronicles 15:7 (KJV) Be ye strong therefore and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded. 2nd Chronicles 15:7 (NIV) But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”
Let’s trust God and work our vision, in Numbers 23:19 (KJV) says, God is not a man, that he should lie; Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
No matter what, let's work to keep our vision!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for placing love for people in their lives in my heart. Please help me stay true to my vision and be a light to everyone I encounter. Help me to grow in your love and wisdom and to hold fast to your promises. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
Your turn: Is there a vision God has given you? What steps are you taking to pursue it? Are you struggling with discouragement? If so, are there ways you can incorporate scripture and prayer to uplift your heart and run toward your purpose?
Often, vision boards with the goals God has inspired us to pursue can be a meaningful everyday tool keeping us accountable and on track. Do you have one? Why do you think vision boards are essential?
References:
1. Merriam-Webster: Vision
2. (He's Able/ written by Deitrick Vaughn Haddon) Lyrics.com, STANDS4 LLC, 2022. "He's Able Lyrics." Accessed December 1, 2022. https://www.lyrics.com/sublyric/59696/Darwin+Hobbs/He%27s+Able.