Terri's Wellspring

Then the Lord answered me and said:

Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time; 
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, It will not tarry.

Habakkuk 2:2 NKJV

Is your vision for your life written down? We live in a world where vision and mission statements are plentiful for corporations, non-profits and programs. These statements represent succinct descriptions of why an entity exists (mission) and the desired outcomes of their existence (vision). They serve as guidance for their activities and what they hope to accomplish. I have been through many strategic planning sessions where companies draft and redraft these statements to get it just right. My task now is to consider what would my written vision statement be? Is it something that is a nebulous idea or is it a concrete image that comes to my mind when I think of my life as a Child of God? Our passage today is a reminder from Habakkuk to write the vision down. It will take time, prayer and maybe even some research in the Word of God about what it says about different aspects of our lives: our marriage, our families, our careers, our money, and our health. It will be important for me to hear God’s response to my prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I am thankful to God about this part of my journey to imagine, to dream about my life through the Word of God.

I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster; plans to give you a future filled with hope.  Jeremiah 29:11

Then the Lord answered me,

“Write the vision.

Make it clear on tablets

so that anyone can read it quickly.      Habakkuk 2:2

We live in a world where many things are super-sized.   Everything from large homes to fast food to huge containers of detergent is available in super -size portions. Our society places value on big things. As God’s Children, our aspirations and dreams should come to us God-sized. Our vision for every aspect of our lives should be lined up with what the Word of God says. When we visualize our family, health, finances, career and even our state of mind, it should be aligned with what the Bible says. The Lord has so many promises that are detailed in His Word. We often choose to settle for less than God’s best because our vision is aligned with what we think is possible. If we select a vision and write it down concerning the important aspects of our lives based on God’s Word, it would help us to move in faith toward a God-sized vision for our lives. I was encouraged by a minister who spoke about developing a vision for your life. She encouraged us to write down our God-sized vision for our lives. A vision that is based on God’s Word and requires His presence in our lives. What a powerful tool to have our vision before us based on God’s Word.

I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11

 Jesus came so that we would have life and life more abundantly. His plan for us is to experience His many blessings in relationship with Him. It is a plan and future that is filled with hope. I remember thinking as an immature teen that God’s Word was full of judgment and limitations that resulted in a boring life. Now that I have reached both age and maturity, I know that I was completely wrong. A life in the Lord provides liberty and blessings beyond measure. I remember pondering about the things that I would need to give up if I accepted Christ into my life, things that I thought I would need first to get in order but it was a childlike notion compared to what a life in Christ has to offer. Our Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us; to be in relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ, that we may be able to experience His abundant peace and love along our life journey. His Greater Plan for us includes salvation, healing and deliverance. Once we make a step toward Him and accept Jesus into our hearts as Lord and Savior, we can experience the blessing of being in relationship with Him. His love, His peace and His mercy surround us in our daily living. We can mature and grow in Him and walking into our purpose. We have the assurance that we are never alone. Our God is with us each step of the way. We can walk into His Greater Plan today by establishing a relationship with Him.

 A Prayer for Salvation – 

 “Lord Jesus Christ,

I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. I ask your forgiveness and now turn from everything which I know is wrong. Thank you for dying on the cross for me to set me free from my sins. Please come into my life and fill me with your Holy Spirit and be with me forever.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-2

I admire people who have the ability to focus on a goal and work toward it without getting weighed down with the challenges of living. They seem to be able to fix their eyes on their goal down the road and work diligently toward that goal no matter what comes their way. I am working on having that kind of laser focus in my life.

Our passage today is about fixing our eyes on Jesus. We have so many followers that have gone before us, leaving a trail that is encouragement to throw off every hindrance in our lives. We should avoid every sin, every distraction and each thing that will keep us from running swiftly toward our goal. Our Father did not just provide grace, mercy and salvation for us alone. He has given each one of us purpose and work to do to build His Kingdom. Now, like never before we should commit our focus and our hands to getting it done.