The word “vision” is sometimes overrated. But, it’s still such a powerful concept, which, if we use it right, can radically change us and our surroundings.
Read this scripture, which we also use as our foundation for this reflection:
Where the is no revelation, people cast off restraint, but blessed is the one who needs wisdom’s instruction. Proverbs 29:18.
As you know, the Bible was not written in the languages we use today (in the 21st century). The people who wrote the different books we have in the Bible originally did it in three languages: Aramaic and Hebrew (Old Testament), and Greek (New Testament).
What we have today is a translation of those original texts from the Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek languages.
Therefore, and as of 2020, the Bible has been translated into 704 languages. English is, of course, one of those languages. Just in English alone, we now have over 450 translations. That’s a lot!
These English Bible versions come out of what meaning each translator chooses for each original word from the original biblical texts (Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek).
Now, when you look at the scriptural text above (Proverbs 29:18), the verse could translate into “Where there is no vision, people perish …” Or, “where there is no prophetic word, people lose control …” We could also read it this way “where there is no divine guidance, people perish.”
Start and End Everything with God
A vision is something that allows us to see what we can’t see with our naked eyes. It doesn’t only have to do with planning or imagining our future. It has to do more with what’s true about who you and I can become in the future.
Yes, you can plan and dream about your future. But, guess whose plans always prevail? God’s.
That’s why the Bible says,
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21.
It’s ok to have plans in our hearts for the future, but if God’s plan is the one that prevails, why then not seek what God has in mind for us?
I don’t want you to think that you don’t have to plan. That’s not my point here.
[bctt tweet=”God would like you to start and end everything with Him. Acknowledge God in everything you do. And, when you do so, God will make your paths (endeavors, projects, plans, etc.) straight (read Proverbs 3:6). ” username=”emmanuelnaweji”]
You will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Choose to delight in the Word of God, and meditate on God’s Word day and night. As a result, whatever you do will prosper. (Psalm 1:3).
In other words, you’ll be able to catch God’s vision for your life. You’ll have a sense of clarity as to what kind of future God holds in His hands for you. Your future is in God’s hands (Psalm 31:15).
When God opens His hands, God will satisfy you (Psalm 145:16)!
So, if there is one thing you have to do in order to catch God’s vision for your life, you should seek God’s guidance and prophetic Word for you in all seasons of your life.
Seek God’s Guidance
Seeking God’s guidance is another spiritual discipline that helps us catch God’s vision for our lives.
If God has your future in His hands, then what you need to do is to come near God. We seek divine guidance through God’s Word. Commit to scripture searching as part of your daily routine. Do it alone. Do it with other people.
Read the entire chapter of Psalm 1, on your own.
[bctt tweet=”If you want to bear fruit in all seasons and prosper in what you do, choose to delight in the Word of God. Meditate on God’s Word day and night. ” username=”emmanuelnaweji”]
Next, we seek God’s guidance through prayer. Through Jesus Christ, and by faith, we have access to the throne of grace. We have access to God, the Father. And, there at that throne, we receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need (Hebrews 4:15-16).
We seek divine guidance through wise counsel. Surround yourself with good and godly people who can mentor and coach you. Talk to somebody you trust whenever you feel stuck and need some sense of clarity.
God speaks, one way or another, to us. A lot of times, God uses people to speak to us. That’s why there are other people around you, and you’re not the only human being here on earth!
Finally, we seek God’s guidance through our renewed and Spirit-filled mind. Our minds can only see depending on what lenses we use. That’s why it is important to have our minds renewed.
Paul puts it this way,
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2.
Choosing to conform to the pattern of this world makes us see everything using the lenses this world forces us to use. To change that, we need to let Christ renew our minds. And, we accomplish that by doing all of the above.
Seek God’s Prophetic Word
A prophetic word is what you hear, and which changes everything about you in a given season of your life.
Clarity comes out of God’s word. Here’s why.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5).
[bctt tweet=”Yes, the Word is the source of everything, including life and clarity (light). Through God’s prophetic Word, you can see your future. You catch God’s vision for your life through God revealing Himself to you through His Word. ” username=”emmanuelnaweji”]
When you start your day, ask God to speak to you. Ask God to whisper that prophetic Word to you. Ask God to open your ears to hear His voice and your eyes to see His work throughout the day.
Bringing it together
Your future is in God’s hands. The only One who, therefore, can help you capture the vision of your future and lead you into your future, is God. Jesus, being the Way, can take you to that place where you’ll be able to hear God’s prophetic Word to guide you all the days of your life.
