We all know clear eyesight is extremely valuable. According to the American Optometric Association website, 20/20 vision is a term used to express normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet. Having 20/20 vision does not necessarily mean you have perfect vision. 20/20 vision only indicates the sharpness or clarity of vision at a distance. Like many people, I wear eyeglasses to correct my loss of focusing ability. But, there is another kind of vision of which I am referring.
Seeing Your Future
As we close out 2019, my question for Christians concerns spiritual vision. Do you have a vision from God for 2020 and the new decade? One of the saddest things I’ve ever heard an adult say is “I don’t have dreams anymore for my life.” The word of God tells us Where there is no vision, the people perish… (Prov 29:18 KJV). Without a sense of purpose and direction, we humans tend to flounder… never finding a sense of confidence in where we are headed.
If you do not have a vision of your future, consider asking God to show you His plans for your life. Not a personal, selfish ambition. A vision your Creator has for you. Oh, you DO know He has plans for you, right? Here is what God’s children are promised. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11.
Receiving A Vision from God
Petition the Lord for spiritual vision to see His plans for you. He wants you to ask. To hear from God one must draw nearer to Him (James 4:8). Come closer. That means focusing on Him, which requires tuning-out others… even your own inner voice. Three things one can do:
- Prayer
- Bible reading, study, meditation on the Word of God
- Fasting
As we deny our fallen fleshly nature and yield evermore to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we position ourselves to hear from God concerning our future.
Ask for Clarity
As with 20/20 physical eyesight, receiving a vision from God for 2020 and beyond doesn’t mean we will see our future perfectly. As with Jesus’ healing of the blind man at Bethsaida, it may require a second touch (Mark 24-15). Even then, don’t expect every detail to be laid out. Remember, Jehovah God did not tell Abram where he was to go… only that He would show Him the place. Abram was required to have faith that God would be with Him every step of the way.
How to Know Your Vision is From God
Dreams and visions from God never contradict scripture. So, know the Word of God. His plans for you will relate to His revealed will. For instance, we know the Great Commandment requires us to love God and our neighbors as ourselves. We also know the Great Commission instructs us to share the gospel with everyone everywhere and to make disciples for Christ. So, whatever vision we receive from Him will lead to the fulfillment of those clearly expressed purposes.
Best Wishes for the New Year
May you be encouraged while seeking God for vision. May you find confidence as you set out to fulfill His plans for you. And may the new decade of the 2020s bring you prosperity while filling you with hope as we await our Savior’s glorious return.