God-Given Vision -- part 4

Today we will conclude our four part series on God-given vision.  I pray these weekly blog entries have been a blessing to you and an encouragement to press in to all that the Lord has for you!  Let’s get started.

A vision requires setting goals.

Goal setting is an important activity for almost every part of our life. Without a “finish line” or a goal, how can we possibly measure if we have grown or achieved what we have been working towards?

The same holds true for God-given vision. It is important to break down the vision the Lord has given us into pieces so that we can measure our progress as we pursue the vision’s final goal.

Have you noticed that God does love process and details? 

We see this in Psalm 37: 23-24.

• The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
•  Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.

Mothers of Nations, before we move on why don’t you take some time right now to think about your unique God-given vision. Have you broken down that final achievement into step by step goals?  How is the Lord directing your steps as you move towards your vision fulfillment?

A vision requires supporters.

I’m sure all of us have heard the phrase “it takes a village” as it relates to achieving a goal or getting some type of larger job accomplished.  This phrase indicates that often times a final result can only be achieved by the combined efforts of multiple people, all working towards the same goal.

We can see this principle demonstrated with Godly vision as well.  A God-given vision also requires supporters (the “village”).  Let’s look at the example of David and his mighty men as recorded in 1 Chronicles chapters 11 through 14.

What are some of the things we learn about these supporters of David and his vision?

• They fellowshipped with him.
• They suffered with him.
• They cried with him.
• They risked their lives for him.
• They shared their skills, weapons, time, and their hearts with him.

Another example of the necessity of vision supporters is found in the life assignment of Deborah. She knew it was time for war but she also realized that she needed others (her “village”) to come beside her to achieve her vision and goals. We find in this portion of Scripture that Barak and Jael became two vitally important supporters who knew their part in fulfilling Deborah’s vision.

As we conclude this study of God-given vision, let’s look at one final requirement.

A vision requires sacrifice.

The truth is that this requirement of sacrifice separates the “doers” from the “dreamers.”

But in the process of pressing towards the final vision and overcoming all the vision-hindering obstacles that might come our way, these sacrifices and challenges become the vehicles to wisdom, strength, and victory in our lives.

Let’s think about the life of Nehemiah and his God-given vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.  What were some of the obstacles or challenges he faced as he attempted to fulfill the assignment that the Lord had given him? Here’s a thumbnail sketch of Nehemiah’s journey towards accomplishing his God-given vision.

• Nehemiah 1: 3-10 – He needed God’s help.
• Nehemiah 2: 1-7 – He needed the king’s help as he faced challenges.
• Threats
• Jealousy
• Slander
• Rage
• Ridicule
• Complaints
• Fear

But despite all these hurdles and roadblocks to his vision, Nehemiah prepared for the sacrifice of the vision’s achievement.  What did his preparation look like?  He had a plan - step by step goals.  He exuded passion and dug deep for stamina.  And he experienced favor because he was boldly acting on his God-given assignment.

Mothers of Nations, take heart!  Fulfilling the vision that God has given you will take sacrifice because you are plowing and taking ground for His kingdom.  Let’s keep our eyes on the prize and cross the finish line in all that the Lord has assigned to us.  What a privilege, what an honor, to labor in God’s kingdom and to fulfill His kingdom purposes!

So as we conclude this topic, what is YOUR assignment?  What is YOUR vision?  And are you willing to tackle all these requirements to bring your God-given vision to fulfillment?

Mothers of Nations, let's get going!  There is land to be taken for the kingdom of God!

Dr. Sharon Predovich