The Importance of A Vision Part 3:
Write the Vision
How many times have you as a parent or friend gone to the Lord in prayer seeking wisdom, guidance, and direction on how to help a loved one when they had lost their way? More than you can count I would guess.
The prophet Habakkuk had done the same thing when it came to how the Israelites lost touch with God and His plan for their lives. Frankly, he just about had it with them and was totally frustrated in what he should do.
In prayer he cried out to the Lord asking when He was going to do something. Habakkuk did not get the answer he expected.
When the Lord answered the prophet’s complaint, He told him to “Look around you because you are not going to believe what I am about to do.” Their conversation continues as they fellowship through prayer with Habakkuk responding back and forth during his inquiry. It was then God gave him a direct order to follow so that no one would doubt the plan He was about to set in motion.
“And the Lord answered me and said,
Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may (be able to) read (it easily and quickly) as he hastens by.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end (fulfillment); it will not deceive or disappoint.
Though it tarry, wait (earnestly) for it,
because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.
Look at the proud; his soul is not straight or right within him, but the (rigidly) just and the (uncompromisingly) righteous man
shall live by his faith and in his faithfulness.”
(Habakkuk 2:2-4 AMPC)
The obedient prophet finished out his prayer in repentance, praise, and hope for what was to come.
“O Lord, I have heard the report of You and was afraid. O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make (Yourself) known! In wrath (earnestly) remember love, pity, and (your) mercy (unmerited favor).”
(Habakkuk 3:2 AMPC)
The vision for those in that day was not a good one because they turned sideways from the truth. This reminds us of what that "sideways" church did with the original vision that was given to the pastor.
Straying from the God given vision will cause heartache and an outcome not expected.
What Habakkuk wrote was a reminder of what would come to those who abort God’s plan and vision of restoration. When the blueprint for the vision is literally written and displayed, we can refer back to it so we stay on course and not wonder off into an uncharted territory that does not include God. A written vision is a safety measure to insure we reach the hoped for destination.
Praise the Lord the plan of God was carried out around sixty-six years later, and favor was restored to those who believed. That day came when Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead conquering unrighteousness, making it possible for the family of God to be reunited through salvation.
Organized for Favor and Success
You may ask, “What does vision have to do with
organization, favor or success?” Glad you asked –
everything. Without a goal to focus on, how do you know when you
have arrived or achieved it?
Staying focused on an actual vision plan helps relieve stress, because you always know where you are headed. It encourages faith, strengthens the ability to endure, and gives life a purpose.
There are three parts to remaining organized so that you move forward in the overall vision and they rely on staying focused.
Organization Requires Focus:
1 – Spiritually: Daily stay connected to God.
2 – Mentally: Daily remind yourself of the vision.
3 – Physically: Daily separate yourself from non-vision plans.
It was well over twenty years ago when I first "caught" what vision meant concerning the favor of God. I thrived on learning everything I could about how God operates through vision (direction for His children in spreading the gospel message) soaking in every drop of wisdom. Immediately, I took action on how I would "stay at it" and not chuck the plan, even when I did not understand it or if it seemed to be taking too long to manifest.
This is what I did.
Put Me in Remembrance … Remind Me
There is going to come a time when everyone will be judged on how they spent their time, carried out the plan of God and stayed focused on His vision for our lives. Jesus will even say,
“Put Me in remembrance (remind Me of your merits); let us plead and argue together. Set forth your case, that you may be justified (proved right).”(Isaiah 43:26 AMPC)
“Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend together; State your case, that you may be acquitted.” (NKJV)
In order to remind myself to stay focused on the ultimate vision plan I have this “mini” vision posted on my computer to see every day. To help you better prepare for that day before the Lord, I want to share something an evangelist spoke back in the late 90’s.
1 - Is this God’s plan? (Does it incorporate the overall vision?)
2 - Will it win souls? (Does it carry out the Great Commission?)
3 - Will it help the body of Christ? (Does it offer anawers, meet a need or solve a problem?)
4 - How is what I am doing getting me closer to my goal? (Can I still see the vision?)
If you cannot answer yes to them all, rethink why you are doing it. Do not move forward until all points check "Yes" for the vision, dream, plan, or reason you have in mind for taking that action.
Vision Success Requires a Plan
Sometimes we get caught up in the thrill of doing a project or carrying through with a dream and forget the reason we did it in the first place. There are other times when we think God wants us to do something when in fact that “vision” or dream plan is for someone else.
King David went off sideways in wanting to build a temple for the Lord, but God made this vision clear that his plans were not exactly His plans. David wanted to alter what God wanted so he could get the credit.
Although it was a good thing to do and would honor God in building a temple unto the LORD, it was not the plan He had for David. God’s plan was for David to foot the bill and make a way for his son Solomon to build it. Why? It was not the right timing.
David had money and power to do anything he wanted and could have done it, but it would not have counted for eternity. We want the work we do for Christ to matter, and part of that requires us to take action after we have spent time in prayer.
Let us suppose you have already heard from the Lord and have a specific vision or dream placed in your heart. The next step you need to take is a plan of action for visionary favor.
Our Series Challenge:Write the Vision
Following the direction God has given so many times in scripture we are going to do the same using Habakkuk as our guide in our plan of action.
What did Habakkuk do? He had an active relationship with God through daily prayer, and he waited to hear what God thought before he did anything. When he got the answer, he obeyed through action. (Study the book of Habakkuk … it is only three chapters!)
He Prayed
He Waited
He Acted
In this challenge our active part will be to physically write the vision and plan God has placed in our hearts to carry out in our lifetime here on earth.
Remember favor starts in prayer. No matter where you look in the Bible when you see God’s hand of favor extended, it began with fellowship through prayer. Keep in mind, God will not partner with your vision unless it is part of His plan. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Grab a pen and paper, then go to a place where you can be quiet with God with no distractions. Put everything out of your mind and focus on hearing from the Lord in your spirit. Then write down everything you hear no matter how crazy or far-fetched it may sound. Just write, do not critique or try to figure anything out at this time. The vision will become clearer as you proceed.
1 – Physically write down the vision and plan God put in your heart backing it up with scripture.
2 – Prayerfully use daily think tanks with God to stay focused.
3 – Display the vision in plain sight to help you keep focused and for all to see when they enter or leave a specific area. Make it big!
4 – Have at least one person in your corner for support and it does not have to be family. In fact, a friend or church leader would be better.
5 – Dream big, start small. Do not despise small beginnings.
“Do not despise these small beginnings,
for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin …”
(Zechariah 4:10a NLT)
In America on the day Mr. Trump officially become President of the United States, he fully realized he cannot take action without a plan. The same goes for anyone who wants to accomplish great things.
It does not matter who you are, how famous a person or what great deeds you have done, if it is not God’s plan for your life, no matter how good it may seem, it is all for nothing.
It has been a few years since we visited that church in the hills, and I hope to return one day finding that they have finally written the vision of God for all to see and are following it with joy. Now that would be a great story!
As for now, I am going to focus on the vision God has for my life so I can continually walk in His favor. What about you?
Stay organized and focused spiritually, physically, and mentally.
Pray – Wait – Act
“When I called, You (God) answered me; You greatly emboldened me (gave strength, courage and confidence to do this).”
(Psalm 138:3 NIV)
Follow God’s vision and you will have the strength, courage and confidence to live your dream in His abundant favor!
“If You are pleased with me (God), teach me Your ways so I may know You and continue to find favor with You (for the vision not to turn sideways). (Exodus 33:13a NIV)
If this teaching has encouraged or helped you, please consider sharing it by using the social media icons provided at the end of this post.
Missed part of the series, read them here:
Read Part 1 The Importance of A Vision: The Forgotten Vision
Read Part 2 : The Importance of A Vision: What Happens without A Vision Plan
You Are My Vision by Rend Collective (with Lyrics)
Until next time, actively write God’s vision and receive His favor!
“I give favor to build My Kingdom.”
Jesus Christ
*Unless noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy.
Note: Emphasis is given in some scriptures to show clarity or understanding and is not to take away from the inspirited Word of God.
When used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives.
Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.
Helpful resources on this topic:
by Andy Stanley
Available in Paperback, eBook, Spanish, audio CD, MP3
Disclaimer: Information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.
*For those who trust in Jesus Christ, God gives the promise of life here but also the gift of eternal life as an inheritance of being His child. If you would like to have this gift also, click here to learn more.
Maybe you do not know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also. Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.
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Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway. Image Creative Common License if not specified. Photo by Favored1/Fay Ann Daniels
