Got Vision

Poor eyes limit your sight, poor vision limits your deeds. (Franklin Field)

When you study great leaders of history the main thing that sets them apart from others was the scope of their vision. The ability to see what others do not, and the courage to act. John Maxwell states; vision is the ability to see, the faith to believe and the courage to do.

In the book of Habakkuk chapter 1, we see the desperation of the prophet. He witnessed the collapse of the kingdom and the rise of the Babylonian Empire. Habakkuk was bogged down in a state of depression, all he could see was injustice all around. He could not see God working in the Big Picture, he lacked vision.

Like Habakkuk most of us live with a narrow focus on life, or tunnel vision. We allow outside influences to hinder our vision to the point of defining our lives. We have surrendered control to our obligations or to people, and such things as finances, time, career or job, friends and even family.

Who or what is calling the shots in your life?

Is your vision being hindered?

Before you were created, God had a plan and purpose for your life.

God has a tailor made vision just for you.

How do we discover Gods vision for our lives and ministry?

Remember Habakkuk only saw circumstances, he didn't see the Big Picture. He lacked vision, his vision didn't go past his problem, he was unable to see God working in it. But he was crying out to God!

Habakkuk 2:1 I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me, and I will answer when I'm corrected. NKJV

We see 4 things Habakkuk did to receive Gods vision:

1. Stand

Stand in the Hebrew means; to take ones stand, to hold ones ground.

When everything is going wrong and seems to be falling apart, hold your ground and don't give up. Always do the right thing, even when others are not.

2. Watch

We need to watch not only our personal obligations, but stay focused on Gods business as well. We must watch the future closely by not focusing on the past or allowing the present to consume us. Watch where God is leading.

3. Listen

Habakkuk kept a listening ear, he was attentive to Gods voice. The Hebrew word used means; give attention to, to discern.

Not only do we need to stand our ground and keep watch. We need to hear from God.

4. Answer

Habakkuk said I will answer when I'm corrected.

Answer in the Hebrew means; to turn back to God, to repent.

I believe when we do not stand our ground, do not keep watch, do not listen to God, we are missing the mark.

When Habakkuk repented God answered him.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. NKJV

Listen:

When we stand our ground, when we watch God, when we listen, when we turn back to God and repent, we have Gods attention. And if it seems like its not going to happen, if it tarries, wait for it.

Hebrew word for wait means; to wait in ambush...

That means in waiting you are prepared, your ready to go, when it comes, you attack it. Your not just waiting around idly not doing anything, your taking care of business you have been in the process of preparation. When the vision is revealed, you don't even have to think about it, you just move.

Vision arises from our purpose in life. Our purpose is revealed as we focus on the Big Picture. Its time to start looking ahead!

Let me give you 4 steps to catch vision:

1. Dare to seek Prayer and Scripture

2. Dare to Dream Big

3. Dare to Believe God will do Great Things

4. Dare to Act

Attempt something so impossible, that if God is not in it, you will fail...

Got Vision!