When People Wonder About the Vision

Today's Scripture: Exodus 3&4   Numbers 20   Deuteronomy 1&2   Nehemiah 1-6   Acts 9-11

Are you sick of hearing about vision? Do you wonder if the thing is just a buzzword that has no Biblical support? Do you think that it may be only for 21st century leaders who need a contemporary term so that they seem up to date in their thinking and planning? Or are you just having a hard time getting your vision embraced and moving from where it has been parked for years? Actually, I’ve read so much about vision that I really don’t want to write about it. However, I trust that as I write I might give you a new idea. 

Vision isn't just a buzzword. If you operate within God's will, you can
make a big difference with your Godly vision.

Today I will assume most of you know the basics of vision, so I will get to today’s focus, which is, “Why does it sometimes take so long for vision to spread?” Today’s Biblical vision references are:

1.  The Promise Land Vision 
2. Jerusalem Walls Vision 
3. The Gentile Gospel Vision 

These visions represent three of the most significant visions that still have worldwide impact today. It is really not that hard for you to study these stories and apply them to your life. If you study Israel’s exit from Egypt, Nehemiah’s work in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and how God revealed to the early church that the Gospel was also for the Gentiles, then you learn some facts about big vision. Some of them are:

1. Bad behavior slows big vision down to a halt. 
2. Some big visions take time, but they will get done right before your eyes. 
3. Some of God’s vision spreads slowly, but it always spreads, and keeps spreading. 

Let’s assume for a moment that the vision you find yourself in IS a godly vision. Look at the evidence around you to determine what it is that is slowing things down. Do you see some bad behavior in yourself or others that could be the reason? For now, let’s assume you don’t readily see any significant behavior issues. Maybe things are getting done; however, they are being done so slowly that it is quenching the Spirit’s fire in you. 

What Happens When One Vision is Complete

Might we all admit that we would all love a vision like rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem?

This vision was big and exciting; lots of people worked alongside of each other, and everyone protected and looked out for everyone else. The best thing about this vision was that it was finally competed for everyone to see and take some godly pride in. It must have been very satisfying.

Your vision might be like building the walls of Jerusalem. It might be building a new church building, getting a new ministry up and running, or starting a new division in your company. However, there is a downside to this generally hopeful vision. When the short-term vision is accomplished and the adrenaline has subsided, what motivates us to the next vision? Can the gospel to the Gentile vision take us all to the next level? It should, but can we as humans stay motivated to a cause that never ends?

Here is where a leader should pause, think about the people that he or she is leading, and ask this question: “What short term vision will help those I lead reach their full potential?”

"One way to determine how to shape your next vision is to ask your followers about their needs and what they are passionate about. Listen closely and then ask other godly leaders to help you shape what you hear into a vision that can be embraced."

Find Vision in Your Followers

If you really believe God called you to be a leader, then look at your followers to find what God has in store for you next. When followers grow, then leaders grow. A leader cannot grow unless his or her followers grow. The key to a leader’s growth is in the needs of the followers. Nehemiah’s vision grew out of the protection needed and provided by the walls of Jerusalem. Your vision could come from a spiritual or a practical need. One way to determine how to shape your next vision is to ask your followers about their needs and what they are passionate about. Listen closely and then ask other godly leaders to help you shape what you hear into a vision that can be embraced.

Short-term vision is found in the practical needs of your people. Look into the people you lead and you will find a vision from God.

Then you won’t need to wonder about vision anymore.

Photo courtesy of DRB 62.