New Devotional: Can I Get a Vision?

We have all heard motivational speakers and pastors tell us to 'get a vision' for our lives. I actually just bought a tape and book series a few weeks ago all about getting a vision. However, getting a vision requires some thought and a wee bit of planning.

As a human being, I have quite a few faults (insert shock here) and one of those faults is my lack of planning. As it turns out, I work well in panic. Seriously. When I'm staring at a deadline or even if I have an event coming up, it is not uncommon for me to wait until the very last second.

Of course there are pros and cons to this approach. I had an event awhile back and over 600 people were in attendance. I arrived at the event and thought I was ready to rock and roll until I realized my notes were at home (45 minutes away). An organized person would have several copies of notes, a PowerPoint, an assistant with notes and even a few tips written on his/her hands.

Not this Queen.

I woke up that day and realized I had books, binders, t-shirts and a ton of other things to bring to that event. I did the last minute scramble at 8am and took off like a rocket to get to there...since being late for your own events seems to be frowned upon these days. The notes were left behind.

I know some of you are natural planners. You plan parties for 20 people 6 months in advance. I plan parties for 200 people the day before the actual party date. That's just how I roll. What does this have to do with vision? Everything.

Taking the time to sit down and think of the vision God has for you in this life takes time. Executing that vision takes planning.

Stink.

I've actually been thinking about this a lot lately and I realize we do not need to know every detail of our future. But, we do need an overall vision which gives us a hope for the future.

After understanding that and praying about what God is wanting me to do with my own life, I started realizing 'getting' the vision was not necessarily the hardest part. It is possible that the hardest part of this whole thing is keeping the vision.

I have noticed not only in my own life but in the lives of others that when we get a dream or vision for our lives,  we tend to let those around us influence that vision and many times, discourage us to the point of walking away from it all together. Why is that?

I'm glad you asked.

We all know the story of Joseph (Genesis 37). God gave Joseph a dream, a real vision for his life. God gave this dream to Joseph in the middle of the night and notice, God did not wake up his other family members to tell them about it. God gave the dream to Joseph. Period.

But what happened?

Joseph woke up, got excited and started saying, ''Oh my goodness. I've got this killer dream for my life and YOU have to hear about it...oh and by the way, God says you'll be bowing down to me one day! How do you like them apples?' (Ok, that's the Sarah Roe version but that's pretty much how it went.)

God spoke to Joseph and Joseph told his family. I would think though if God wanted Joseph's family to know about it, he would have told them to begin with. Sometimes a dream is just for you.

Sometimes God will put things in your heart that those around you cannot understand at that moment. Why? Because it is not their dream, it is not their vision, it is yours.

I've been seeking God a lot recently about his vision for my life as I am only 31 years old and have quite a ways yet to go. I can hear his small voice in my heart about certain things, just a little here and a little there. I do not know what all of those things mean and I firmly believe God leads us one step at a time. One thing I do know is, the vision is my vision and eventually those who need to see it will see it as God brings it to pass.

For those of you seeking God about his vision for your life right now, take some time to hear from God and take some time to do a little planning. But remember, the vision he gives to you is meant for you. Be cautious about sharing that vision prematurely as you could unknowingly invite criticism which will lead to doubt that could cause you to abandon the vision all together.

How many people have allowed discouragement from others steal the vision God has for their life? Don't let that happen to you. Listen for the voice of God and hold tight to what he tells you and  where he leads you. Keep in mind the family of Jesus rejected him at first because they did not understand the vision. If he was rejected, why is it so shocking when we are as well?

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