Habakkuk 2:1-4
I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. 2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. 4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. (KJV)
Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (KJV)
When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. (NLT)
Last month my wife and I celebrated our 32nd year of marriage! I can say unashamedly there is not a day that passes that I do not thank God for the woman He has sent into my life who has made me a better man, husband, pastor and child of God. I probably thank God as much for the parents He allowed to rear me – they laid a tremendous foundation of teaching, training, and set an example of holiness, manhood and how to be a Christian gentleman. I also thank God for my pastor, Bishop Thomas, who provides spiritual guidance, covering, an example of Godly leadership, and wisdom that has made me a better pastor, saint and leader. As I consider these individuals who have had tremendous impact on my life, they all had one quality in common: they had vision.
Now I take issue with those “fly by night” prophets who are declaring the year 2020 to be the year of vision, because according to the Word of God, every year should be a year of vision. God never intended for His people to be blind or visionless for any period of time.
The word vision has two principle definitions: (1) the faculty or state of being able to see and (2) the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom. If there were ever a time the people of God need vision, that time is now. I believe every husband and wife should have vision for their marriage. Every parent ought to have vision for their children. Every pastor should have vision for the church. If not, those we are responsible for are doomed.
Sometimes we make decisions in the immediate that cost us dearly. At the time we didn’t measure or consider the future impact on what seemed to be a small or insignificant decision. Do you think Adam and Eve would have eaten off the forbidden tree if they could have seen the impact it would have? Do you think Ahab and Jezebel would have introduced Baal worship to the people of God had they known the penalty? I challenge you to stop and consult God before you make a blind decision that will ruin your marriage, compromise your children or weaken your church. Guard your heart and mind against the enemies of vision: the world, immaturity, impatience, ignorance and ungodly influences (pride, jealously, unforgiveness).
Finally, ask God for vision to see people as He sees people. Have you ever considered how Jesus could see unsuccessful men fishing and see that they would not only make disciples, but he could leave the church in their hands? Jesus saw a devoted follower in Mary Magdalene, while others saw a woman who had seven demons. Consider how we were before we accepted Jesus as our Lord. The scripture tells us while we were yet sinners, Jesus died for us. Why? Because He envisioned us receiving salvation.
My friends, if we are to witness effectively, we must see the potential in people with Jesus, and not in their current state. If we are to endure hard times as a good soldier, we must have vision of the victory God has won for us and the rewards that await us in this life and the life to come. If we are to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, we must have vision of Him anointing us and wording our mouths to have impact on a lost and dying world. You have to envision your loved ones getting saved. You have to envision yourself getting the victory and coming out of that dark place. Remember, the vision is for an appointed time. In other words, while it is for your future, it will certainly come to pass!
My brothers and sisters, in the words of our Presiding Bishop, I see you in the future and you look much better than you look right now!
I bless you in the name of the Lord!