5 Steps to Develop Vision for the Rest of 2021
By Valerie West
3 Minute Read
God wants to anoint and ignite our imaginations! Spirit-led imaginations and dreams see into the future. We could say it like this, Spirit-led dreams are God's thoughts and His purpose for our lives.
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
God actually plans out our lives; He establishes our future! We possess the heart of God, and His thoughts live in us.
Psalm 139:17-18 TPT tells us, "Every single moment you are thinking of me! How precious and wonderful to consider that you cherish me constantly in your every thought! O God, your desires toward me are more than the grains of sand on every shore! When I awake each morning, you're still with me."
It's impossible to imagine the depth of God's thoughts towards us. We are NEVER out of His mind, and He purposed and designed our individual destinies! But, how do we find out what's in His heart for us? What has He specifically designed for us to do?
Let's look at 5 steps we can take to help us learn and develop the vision God has fashioned for us individually.
1. Get Still
This is probably the most difficult step for most of us and the most vital!
Today's world is so fast-paced. I've heard it said we live in a microwave society; we need it now! It's difficult to wait even 30 seconds for something to heat up enough to enjoy it. We need to purposely be still. We need to seek what God's thoughts towards us are.
Psalm 46:10 says in part to "Be still and realize I am God."
We need that stillness to learn who He is and to get a picture of the promise He has given us.
2. Make Time
Be intentional to set aside time to work on your vision. Make an appointment with yourself, put it on your calendar, and put your phone on "do not disturb." It is THAT important! We will always make time for what is important to us.
Lao Tzu said it like this, "Time is a created thing. To say, 'I don't have time,' is like saying, 'I don't want to.'"
Do you want to know what you were created to do and be? Make the time to find out from the Creator.
3. Ask Others
"People lose their way without wise leadership, but a nation succeeds and stands in victory when it has many good counselors to guide it." Proverbs 11:14 TPT
Wise counsel is key. Having someone you trust that can be a sounding board is invaluable. Speak with others that challenge you to grow, pursue your dreams, and believe in the God in you!
“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17 NLT
4. Write It Down
Don't skip this step! It is part of the preparation of attaining your vision! It's also biblical.
“Write the vision down; make it plain on tablets so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end, it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:2
Write it down and commit to a Launch Date! Of course, seek God's timing, but you can never go wrong in scheduling a day to begin. You can always push it out or forward as God guides! Many people abort their calling because they're unwilling to meet the requirements of preparation.
"Before anything else, preparation is the key to success." ~ Alexander Graham Bell
5. Keep Clarity
Listen and hear God's thoughts and heart towards the vision He has given you. Revelation comes from intimacy. Then, actively make decisions to fulfill His purpose.
"When you are half-hearted and wavering it leaves you unstable. Can you really expect to receive anything from the Lord when you're in that condition?" James 1:7-8 TPT
Don't hinder your destiny by allowing self-doubt, fear, or uncertainty to be louder than your calling. You don't have to know how it is going to happen; you just have to trust in the One who called you by name, who thinks of you every moment of every day, who has your name tattooed in the palm of His hands.
"Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." Isaiah 49:16
Remember this; He is for your vision. Therefore, He is your ProVision.
Fuel Your Vision
Pastor, not only were you chosen by God, but you are a gift He gave to Himself! You are a lamp lit by Him to be the beginning of hope for others as you model trusting in Him.
If you're not sure what steps to take next, reach out to one of our specialists at 877-494-4655, we would love to hear of the vision God has appointed you for. We can help you with obtaining a 501c3 for your church or ministry, making sure you have all of your legal documents in order and are in compliance.
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