How to get a vision for your life.
One question often asked by many people whenever the subject is vision is discussed, is “how can I get a vision?” The people who often ask this question, understand and appreciate the power and importance of a vision, but do not know where to start. In this discussion, I wish to share with you some insights that will help you to get a vision for your life.
To begin with, we need to know that vision is given to us by God, based on our purpose and assignment on the earth. Every human being is created with a purpose and mission given by God that is intended to benefit humanity. The Bible in Proverbs 19:21 AMP says, “Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the LORD’S purpose for him that will stand (be carried out)”. It is clear, taking from this scripture, that God has a purpose for everyone. It is based on that purpose and assignment that a vision is given. However, most of the times, it is an individual’s duty to seek out that purpose and assignment and put down the vision.
There are some instances where God reveals a man’s vision to them in a divine or rather explicit manner. The story of Paul in the Bible is one good example. In the encounter that Paul had with the Lord on the way to Damascus, he received a vision of what he had to do and accomplish on the earth. Later, we hear Paul saying “Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19 KJV). Paul is testifying that he lived his life pursuing the vision that he had received from heaven. Even today, some may receive their vision through such divine encounters, dreams, or prophetic declarations.
For some people, and this tends to be a majority, the vision comes in the form of a burning desire. This is when one feels an urge or a passion to devote themselves for a particular cause. This passion can be very strong to the degree of making one restless if they are not working to fulfil it. Another way many get their vision, is by means of a lingering idea. This is when a thought or ideal does not seem to leave someone. It may disappear for a short time, but it keeps resurfacing from time to time.
The next step will be to write down the vision. Whether it was a divine experience, a burning desire, or a lingering idea it must be captured in detail and in clear writing. The scripture in Habakkuk 2:2 (KJV) says, “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” This is the first and very important step in solidifying and ultimately, realisation of the vision. The desires and lingering ideas all need to be plainly written down and in all their detail.
The exercise of capturing the details of one’s vision usually requires solitude and genuine listening to oneself and to God. Quiet times of reflection and meditation are good times to receive and write down visions. During such a time, one should honestly write down every idea, desire, and vision experience. There is no need to hold back or to limit one’s imagination in fear that the ideas may seem absurd, just document everything honestly and plainly as it flows in the mind.
The second step will be to validate the vision with the word of God. Every thought, idea or imagination should be obedient to Christ, according to 2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV). Therefore, it is imperative to make sure that the vision does not violate the Holy word of God and works for the greater good of humanity not to harm or endanger lives.
Lastly, the captured and verified thoughts need to be compressed into a short and concise summary. You remember that during the time of capturing the ideas and desires, you are encouraged to write every detail that comes to mind. However, these must be summarised into a conceivable image and single statement. This is more like the vision statement in the corporate world. You can go a step ahead to write up a mission statement or motto that summarises your purpose. With all these steps followed, you have your vision ready, now go for it!
Joseph Dhlakama
