Recently I took my husband to a specialist two hundred miles away from where we live. Before returning home, we needed to get something to eat and decided to visit a local restaurant in that area. It didn't take long to realize something was different about this establishment.
Everything was wonderful about the place and both of us were fully satisfied with our meals. As we were leaving I noticed a sign hanging in the corridor making it clear of the purpose of why they existed, their vision and mission of the business.
At the time we did not know anything about the business, except for the fact it was a restaurant recommended to us by a few ladies standing outside a mall entrance. However, anyone who read the sign had no difficulty understandng their statements by witnessing how they were fulfilling their God-given vision.
Renewing the Purpose
This is the time of year where practically everyone focuses on starting over, getting a fresh vision or is gun-ho on getting back to basics with their new year resolutions. I'm no different than those people and spend time with God trying to get insight as to what He wants me to do in the months ahead.
When talking to my sister about her new year goals, she stated how her "focus" was on getting organized and de-cluttering. We chatted a while when I reminded her that we had this same conversation a few years ago. Somehow her focus was lost and she was back at square one. Picking her up emotionally, I reminded my sib that she simple forgot the purpose of what she was doing because she had taken it our of her "vision" mind.
I believe that's what happens to most of us ... we have a driven passion for something we believe is from God, but something distracts us from seeing it through to completion. In my sisters case, she had two families come to stay with her for different reasons.
One family was in need of a place to stay while their home was being finished, so she ultimately moved out for six months. The other family came from another country and was doing mission work for three months, with her carting all her belongings to the second floor and attic. Once again her mission work to organize and declutter couldn't be accomplished.
Finally she had to leave the state a few times to be with her aging mother-in-law for several weeks. During the in-between time she came down with COVID twice! All these set backs put the first part (organzing and decluttering) of her ultimate vision on hold. This is a prime example of where "purpose" overrides the dream.
What was the "purpose" for her putting the dream or vision on hold you ask? It was the same as the restaurant's and every believers purpose for doing anything ... to positively impact the world for the glory of God!
Although she wasn't able to complete the first task of her journey in this particular goal, my sister's purpose of the vision was fulfilled by the impact she made on so many. She gave of herself, her home, time and belongings to others demonstating the love of Christ so that He may be glorified.
It was during our latest conversation that she became energized and refocused on her goals, accomplishing a good deal of it that very day! She wasn't behind in God's eyes, but right where she needed to be in giving to help others during their time of need.
Step Back to Step Forward
I realize that it's vital to step back and do a good review of why you are doing something and what is needed to be done to achieve any goal, vision or dream. However, without purpose there is no valid reason for doing anything.
As you prepare to walk out those new goals you've set in place for the year, let me encourage you to begin with the purpose of the vision in the first place. The bible makes it clear as to the purpose of every thing we do - glorify the Lord.
"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)
The establishment we visited for dinner glorified the Lord in their product, procedure and personality by reflecting the character of Christ while walking out the vision God gave the owners.
After our meal I met with the owner. She explained how it all came into being, why they give back to the communtiy and their customers experiences. In doing so she joyfully shared how through prayer and obedience to the Word, God's favor opened doors in ways they hadn't imagined, allowing them to expand into new locations all within a few short years.
They stayed focused, kept with the plan despite setbacks or destractions, and made the vision plain by literally doing what the scripture says. By posting an enormous sign they made the vision clear. It was large in print and plain for all to read in order to spread the message of their purpose for existance without anyone ever having to talk to a single employee.
"Then the LORD said to Habakkuk: Write the vision (the purpose of the dream) and make it plain (to read) on tablets, that those who read it may run and tell others of the vision. For the vision is yet for an specific time appointed, but at the right time it will be revealed and speak for itself. Though it may seem like it's taking a long time, wait for it because it will surely come to pass it you do not quit," (from Habakkuk 2:2-4)
The scriptures teach the vision God gave to Habakkuk wasn't for that specific time, but for the future. His job was to let others know by writing down what God told him so others were informed of what was to come. The end describes the fulfillment of the vision, which came by patiently waiting on God for all things to fall into place.
Getting organize or decluttering may seem like a short term goal that you may not put in the catagory of "vision", but with God, even the smallest of details may prove to be a vital part of Him opening doors to the next step in the fulfillment of the dream God put in your heart.
Is the vision still in your heart?
Do you remember what the purpose of the vision in your heart was originally or has it been deflated, tossed aside and cut to bits in your thinking it will never come to pass? If you've back away from the vision why should God stick with it?
What dream or vision are you still waiting on to come to pass? Have you done your part in each step or is God waiting on you?
Following through with the little steps allows God to grant favor in opening the door to the next part of your journey. It may be as simple as getting your house clean and organized, or even creating a vision board such as that sign in the restaurant to put before your own eyes! Take a look at my teaching on "Are Christian Vision Boards Necessary" for more help on fulfilling the vision of God through His favor.
My prayer is that the Lord renews your heart, purpose and vision and in all you do, glorify God.
*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.
Until next time, favored blessings!
Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.
Maybe you don’t 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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Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
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
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