How to Turn God’s Vision for Your Life into Reality
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Since yesterday, we have been contemplating the vision God revealed to Abram, who was soon to be renamed Abraham. We see that the biblical vision and our desire to find our purpose in life often align. The vision God gave Abraham concerned the future of his descendants, destined to become a mighty nation. When God calls someone to a particular purpose, He often provides a vision or mental image of how the future might unfold. After receiving such a vision, it’s essential to pray and plan how to realize it. As I write, I remember the thoughts God inspired in me over 40 years ago about the future. The approach to fulfilling such visions varies from person to person. Stay receptive to the Lord and attentive to His guidance. God’s vision for Abraham was to gaze at the stars in the night sky:
“Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 6Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:5-6).
What is a Biblical Vision?
What is a vision? It is described as "foresight with insight based on hindsight." We ought to look into the future and begin to see what God wants us to do with the eyes of faith. Vision also focuses on one's present circumstances and asks: "How do I get there from here?" Additionally, vision considers the learning that one has accumulated from the past. A vision is a clear mental image of a preferable future that enables God's people to work toward the goal. When a person has a clear picture of what God wants to do, the man or woman of God goes to the Lord in prayer for practical steps to reach that goal or vision. Without concrete steps toward the preferred future, it is difficult to stretch beyond the present reality. God showed Abram a picture in his mind of the end he was holding onto in faith.
How God Reveals His Purpose Through Everyday Life
God used different events in my life to reveal His plan for me. After God called me away from my career as a commercial fisherman, I joined a print shop at Cornerstone Print and Design, a Christian organization. This small company printed various literature for missionary agencies, churches, and Christian groups in England, helping them reach others for Christ. I recall a sign on the wall: "A drop of ink will make a million think!" That sign caught my attention and gave me a vision for my future. I saw the need for Christian tracts, and God started to stir my heart for nations that lack resources to learn about the Lord Jesus and what He accomplished at the cross. He showed me His vision to reach the world, a goal I continue to pursue today. It all began with a small house group, but God can multiply our efforts, like five loaves and two fish. He can use everyday life to speak to your heart about His purpose for you.
How to Know if a Vision is From God
What is God's vision for us, and how does He communicate it today? Recognizing if a vision comes from God can involve His Word, dreams, songs, encouragement from others, a mentor, or someone who inspires us to engage in His work—possibly even this brief meditation! It might also be a need we notice or a compelling desire to correct an injustice. Sometimes, it’s simply a natural talent gifted by God paired with a strong passion.
Testing Your Vision Against Scripture
If a vision is from God, it will always align with Scripture. Test your vision to see if it aligns with the Word of God. Ask God to give you the first step in understanding how to bring your vision into reality. Be ready to take steps of faith. Often, excitement emerges when we begin to see what God has for us to do. Paul the apostle wrote: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13). What vision sustains you as you wait for God's promises to be fulfilled? If the vision is unclear, go to the Lord and ask Him to reveal His plan and purposes for your life.
Practical Application:
1. The "Star-Gazing" Exercise (Reflect) Abraham had to look at the stars to see the scale of God's promise. Set aside 10 minutes tonight to sit in silence. Ask yourself: “If I couldn’t fail, what is one thing I would do to serve God’s kingdom?” Write down the first image or thought that comes to mind.
2. The "Ink Drop" Evaluation (Identify) Look at your current surroundings—your job, your hobbies, or even a problem in your community that bothers you. God often uses what is already in our hands (like the print shop sign). List three "everyday" things in your life and ask God if He wants to use one of them as a "drop of ink" to reach others.
3. The First Step of Faith (Act) A vision without a step is just a dream. Identify one small, practical action you can take this week. It could be buying a book on a topic you’re passionate about, reaching out to a mentor, or simply praying for a specific nation. Write it down and commit to doing it by Sunday. Keith Thomas
Continue Your Journey…
To keep up with our daily meditations, consider bookmarking the link below for all our free 3-minute Bible meditations in English:
The more in-depth study notes on this topic are at the link following: 2. Abraham, Man with a Vision
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