Have you ever heard the saying “if you don’t know where you are going you won’t know when you get there?” Many Christ followers have gotten into a rut of paying bills, working a job, dealing with health issues, and raising children. We have to pay bills, work, deal with any health issues and raise our children but often Christ followers will stop there and not earnestly seek God for the reason they were born. They have no vision based on the plan God has for them.
As Christ followers, we should have a vision of our lives. But, what is a vision? Vision is a mental image of the future. It’s a picture of what we desire to accomplish in our personal lives.
As believers, our vision shouldn’t be some selfish image we have of ourselves. We should base our vision on who we are in Christ, where we are in Christ, what we have in Christ, and what we can do in Christ. It should be so big and bold we cannot accomplish it without faith in God.
Regardless of how our lives look now, we have a much better future if we live in Christ. We can’t let problems, tests, and temporary setbacks cause us not to envision a better life, better finances, better health, a better home, better marriage, and better everything. Our Heavenly Father only wants the best for us; He has only our best interest in mind. The Prophet Jeremiah encouraged Israel with these words:
For I know the plans I have for your, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)
To accomplish our vision, God has already empowered us through Christ. Remember the Apostle Paul said we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. What does He strengthen us with? Here’s the answer: POWER! It’s the reason Paul said Christ can do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can ask or think according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20). That is some POWER! The power is within us, but we must access that power.
I hope what you read so far encourages you to write out a personal vision statement based on the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Don’t take my word for it, here’s what the Lord said to the Prophet Habakkuk about a plainly written vision statement:
Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.
Here are other reasons we should write down our vision statement:
- It guides. If we have a vision for our lives, it will guide us when making decisions. If we are about to do something that would sabotage our vision, then we won’t do it if we are committed to our vision.
- It provides. With a written vision it provides a target ahead of us. So, when we experience hard times we can look at our vision and keep persevering because we want to accomplish our goal.
- It inspires. When we view our vision statement, it will give us inspiration and motivation to keep moving forward. Forget the past but look ahead to the vision becoming a reality.
- It disciplines. If we have a vision, it can help us be disciplined with our time, money and the company we keep. Proverbs 29:18 says where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained.
The vision will not become a reality just because we write it down. We have to work hard and put actions with our faith. Additionally, there are five characteristics we must possess before our vision becomes a reality:
- Clarity. We must be clear on what we see.
- Conviction. We must be entirely and sincerely convinced that our vision is what we desire and God designed.
- Commitment. We must be “all in,” focused, and locked down.
- Consistent. We must be constant, unchanging, and stable until we achieve the vision.
- Courage. Last, we must not allow dangers, fear, or difficulty to deter us.
Now that you read this entire blog, are you ready to write out your vision statement? If so, here’s how to start. First, pray and ask God for the vision He has for you. Second, write down any impressions you receive. Third, include the desires that are already in your heart. God may have put them there. Finally, pay close attention to your values, gifts, and talents as you write down your vision statement. After you finish, you’ll have a roadmap for the next phase of your life.
Bon voyage!
