Do You See Where You Are Going
'If you don't know where you are going, you won't know you when you get there."
Vision is a mental image of the future, making it a powerful tool that can set our life’s trajectory in the right or wrong direction. It’s up to us. Vision answers the questions, where is Jesus taking me: what does He want me to accomplish: how does He want me to look in the future; what does He want me to do?
Notice the word “I” isn’t in the above questions. That’s because Jesus, not “I,” should dictate our vision. As Jesus said to the Father concerning His life, “not my will, thy will be done.” And as Paul said in Philippians 3:14, we should “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ.”
Generally, all believers should desire to obey God by going into the world and making disciples. But you must ask yourself how does God envision you uniquely accomplishing this purpose? What does your personal vision entail, and is it aligned with God’s vision of your life? Remember, Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
After much prayer and reflection, I recommend writing a vision statement. In Habakkuk 2:2-3 the Lord told the prophet Habakkuk, “write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end, it shall speak, and not lie, though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.’
Why Write A Vision Statement
We should write a vision statement because it provides guidance. Our vision statement can serve as a guidepost to keep us within certain boundaries, so we avoid getting sidetracked. There will be many obstacles and opportunities to forget the vision, but the written vision statement can gently remind us we are not just boxing in the air. We are going somewhere; we are taking small steps now, and eventually, we will fully realize our vision.
We should write a vision statement because it inspires. When we feel like giving up, a written vision statement can breathe new life into us, causing us to release new energy to keep striving and working towards that mental image of our future. It creates new imagery, motivation, and encouragement when we are discouraged, impatient, or doubtful.
We should write a vision statement because it provides discipline. Many people buckle down and discipline themselves to do tasks they don’t want to do or don’t feel like doing because of their written vision. For example, if someone has a vision of becoming a college graduate, they will study when they don’t feel like studying. If someone has a vision of becoming a successful entrepreneur, they will discipline themselves to work long hours, develop their business skills and increase their business acumen.
How to write a vision statement?
Be very reflective and prayerful. Ask yourself, who am I? What is unique about my skills and abilities? What stirs my passion? What do I sense the Holy Spirit leading me to do or become?
Write your vision using specificity, no vague language or generalities. For example, if you write, I want to help people, that is too vague and generic. You must do the hard work and say how you want to help people. Do you want to help people by writing Christian books, becoming a schoolteacher, etc.?
Keep your sentences somewhat short so that they can generate a mental image. After reading your vision statement, you should be able to see what you are saying.
Why do some people fail to write a vision statement
People fail to write vision statements for many reasons. Some think they are unworthy to receive anything positive in their lives, and they think and believe small. They tell themselves they are not worthy of dreaming and having a hopeful future because of their ethnicity, past mistakes, lack of influence, lack of money, or socio-economic status.
Other people don’t want to be disappointed, so they have the attitude that if I don’t hope for anything better, I won’t be disappointed if it doesn’t happen. This thinking is fear-based, and we should resist it at all costs. The Bible says hope doesn’t disappoint. Rom. 5:5. If we are alive, we should have hope.
Some people are too lazy to sit down, reflect, and pray about their future. Ephesians 3:20 says, “God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” We must tell ourselves we can’t be lazy and wish good things would happen. We should not have the mindset that whatever will be will be. No, there is power in having a vision. And it’ll take diligence to turn your vision into reality.
Conclusion
Although your vision will not manifest overnight, there is still power in having a vision for your life. I pray you will become more proactive versus reactive and take the necessary steps to live a dynamic life. As the new year approaches, take the time to pray, reflect and write a vision statement for your life.
