Writing Your Dream/Vision

THREE ASPECTS OF VISION

“Vision . . . is a clear mental image of a preferable future, imparted by God to His chosen servants and is based upon an accurate understanding of God, self, and circumstance.” -George Barna, The Power of Vision

1. God. Your vision comes from God, it is not thought up.

2. Self. Your vision is focused by your spiritual gifts.

3. Circumstances. Your vision begins where you are, so you must solve your problems and overcome barriers to fulfill your dream.

WRITING YOUR DREAM

1. Your vision must grow out of biblical principles. “Where there is no vision the people perish, but he that keepeth the law, happy is he”

(Prov. 29:18).

a. You will be blessed (happy) by God.

b. The alternative is no happiness.

2. Your vision will reflect your walk with God. “What a man thinks about in his heart is what he will become” (Prov. 23:7, ELT).

3. Your vision must grip your soul. As you search outward for a purpose in life, your vision will grow in your soul. As you search for God, He will show you His plan for your life.

a. More than a passing fancy.

b. More than a better job or more money.

4. Your vision must not be limited by present circumstances.

a. The spirit-filled man in difficult circumstances, with limited resources against insurmountable odds, can rise above to do something for God.

b. “I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13).

5. Your vision is your Hot Poker that gives heat to you and others.

a. Your vision cannot be self-serving or self-centered.

b. “The love of God motivates me in all I do” (II Cor. 5:14, ELT).

6. Your vision must include workable solutions for all the realistic problems you face. “Have God’s faith, for if you SAY to the mountain barrier in your life, get out of the way and jump into the sea, you will have the things you SAY to God” (Mark 11:22-23,

ELT).

7. Your dream/vision must be so great that it calls for supernatural help from God.

a. “Attempt something so great, that it is doomed to failure if God is not in it” -Randy Pope

b. “If God be for us, who can be against us” (Rom. 8:31)?

8. Your vision must include the price you will pay to reach it.

a. “If anyone comes after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23, NKJV).

b. “Let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet, and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular

race that God has set before us” (Heb. 12:1, LB).

9. Your vision must include the type of person you will become, as well as your accomplishments in life.

a. You must become your vision, before you accomplish your dream.

b. A boy must become an outstanding ball player, before he wins an MVP.

c. You must be a superior businessman to build a great business.

HOW TO PAINT YOUR VISION

Writing your vision is like painting a great landscape. What must a landscape include?

1. Horizon. Needs more God than yourself.

2. Mountains. Vision is not realistic without barriers.

3. Path. Vision must take you somewhere.

4. Trees. Things that are reproducible.

5. Flowers. Vision needs something enjoyable.

6. Birds. Vision makes your spirit soar.

7. Yourself. Vision is nothing without people.

THINK ABOUT IT

1. Dreams/visions don’t come by looking at yesterday, be futureoriented.

“The past is foundational and the future gives us energy. What about today? Today counts!” –Jerry Falwell, Building Dynamic Faith (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishing, 2005), 213.

2. Dreams involve change and most people don’t want to. “If you always do, what you have always done, you will always be where you have always been.” -Uncle Gene McFadden

3. Most people have both dreams and fears. In most cases their fears stifle their dreams.

4. Most dreams grow out of holy hunger. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for that which is right, for they shall be satisfied” (Matt. 5:6, Jerusalem Bible).

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus name, Amen.