Vision – Lift Up Your Eyes
When we talk about vision in the church today, it is often being confused with management and corporate language. The words used for vision in the Bible generally have the sense of sight, either in a specific or general sense, but always with God’s direction.
In the book of Genesis, God called forth vision in Abraham’s life (Genesis 13:14-15; 15:5). Abraham received vision from God to behold the impossible as being possible.
14 And the LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are–northward, southward, eastward, and westward; 15 for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever.
Genesis 13:14-15 (NKJV) 5 Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”
Genesis 15:5 (NKJV)
It is worth considering the difference between Lot and Abraham. Lot looked with natural vision and ended up missing the plan and purpose of God. Abraham let God envision him and even though he made mistakes he fulfilled his destiny.
God-given vision causes you to expect God to do what you cannot do.
Both Peter and Paul, on receiving visions from God, were motivated to follow the directions given (Act 16:10-11 and 26:19). In the book of Habakkuk, God told the prophet to:
… “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.
Habakkuk 2:2 (NKJV)
God told Habakkuk that others would run with the vision when they read it. The truth conveyed is this: Clearly articulated, God-given vision will motivate others to believe God to perform what He has purposed to do.
Vision from God always focuses on who God is and what He has chosen to do in and through your life. True God-given vision challenges you to believe for the impossible.
Vision from God will motivate us to believe Him to work the impossible and, thereby, manifest His kingdom on earth; both in and through our lives!
How Can You Receive a Vision from God?
God given vision is always focussed on who He is and what He wants to accomplish. It is not about you and your desires. The basis of any church vision should be contained within scripture itself. There are some practical steps to find your God given vision:
1) Ask God to give you a vision.
2) Associate with people who have vision.
3) Read about people that had or have vision.
Allow God to plant His vision in your heart as you read and meditate on His Word.
A Strategy to Implement Vision
Vision from the Lord will motivate you as you pursue your plans and goals. Everything you do in life and ministry will propel you toward fulfilling your God-given vision.
If you lead a church or ministry, it is important that you understand how vision can affect the people that follow you. Simply put, your vision will become their vision. As they listen to you expound on the vision and see God bring it to pass, their hearts will continue to develop trust in you as a leader. Here are some suggestions to help people catch your vision:
- Expound the vision by preaching and teaching from the Word of God.
- Remind people of the vision on a regular (monthly or quarterly) basis.
- Type your vision on your web site, weekly bulletin, or some other form of media.
It is important that people know the scripture your vision is based upon and how the life of the church or the activities you’re asking them to be involved in fit into the strategy of fulfilling the vision.
DtN’s Vision
The vision of DtN is contained within its name “Discipling the Nations”. It is based on Matthew 28 verse 19.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV)
Our vision is to disciple and to teach. We believe the best way to do this is within the nurturing context of the local church. We don’t think people should have to leave their local church and go to Bible College in order to be discipled and taught the depths of the Word of God.