“Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled.” Habakkuk 2:3 NLT.
God has designed you for what He has designed for you.
My thoughts and comments today are about “a preferred future.”
Three words have been important in my life: “Vision – Passion – Mission.” All are crucial elements of Christian life and growth. Vision releases a vibrant passion to please God. Passion clarifies the consuming mission for which Jesus redeemed you. Mission includes you alongside the Father in the work of His Kingdom.
My comments today concern the Biblical concept of vision. Vision is essential, not optional. A vision from God can motivate, empower, focus, and constrain. The Bible cautions, “Where there is no [prophetic vision], the people cast off restraint.” Proverbs 29:18 NKJV. Success and satisfaction come from an expanding vision of an unchanging truth: God has designed you for what He has designed for you. Your soaring aspirations will be found in His design “. . according to His eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Ephesians 3:11 NIV.
I once heard Godly vision described as “an inner picture of a preferred future.” I like that description, as long as that inner picture has God’s fingerprints. A “preferred future” possesses the power to erase past dissatisfaction, fill present moments with direction, and empower a future beyond expectations. A Godly vision exhilarates one’s soul with expectancy.
Don’t envision a future as you wish it to be and expect God to approve and achieve your wish list. God’s vision for your life comes directly from Him. Anything less is unworthy of the necessary sacrifice of your heart and effort. Solomon observed, “There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel – that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21 NKJV. See Proverbs 16:9 NKJV. Your plans for God may have marginal success; God’s plans for you will most certainly succeed beyond measure.
God’s preferred future is always your best and most rewarding option. Your inner vision of a preferred future may be fascinating to think about and interesting to talk about, but achievement will not occur without your singular commitment. A Godly vision becomes a practical and sacred obligation. If you fail to embrace God’s vision fully, necessity and urgency will misdirect your efforts and activities away from the holy aspirations your heart first cherished. Without noticing, you begin living a life of smaller consequence and less fulfillment than your destiny in Christ. Be a wise and faithful steward of the dreams God places in your heart. Read Luke 12:42-44.
A friend once gave Gayle a sign that read, “Be careful, or she will include you in her plans.” They knew my wife well. God is like that; He longs to include you in His plans. “’For I know the plans that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘They are plans for your good . . to give you a future and a hope.’” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT. His future and hope for you includes His plans to achieve those. David rejoiced, “As for God His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven.” Psalm 18:30 NKJV.
“Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.” Habakkuk 2:3 NLT. You actualize your preferred future by living consistent with what you have seen in your spirit and felt in your heart. Be faithful to consider every choice as it either complements or conflicts with your goals and devote generous priority of time and resource to what best serves God’s vision in your heart.
Today, my prayer for you is that you will hold fast the visions that mark the adventure ahead.