On the 28th of August 1963, Dr Martin Luther King Jr, presented his vision to America and the world as he delivered one of the most famous, inspiring speeches by a Politian in the history of American politics known as, ‘I have a dream‘.
In an excerpt below from, ‘How To Get Vision for Your Life” by Floyd McClung, we get a clear picture of how having vision affects our every human being down to the core. “…Vision weaves four things into the fabric of our lives: Passion. Vision evokes intense emotion. There is no such thing as an emotionless vision. A clear, focused vision allows us to experience ahead of time the emotions associated with our anticipated future. Passion is more than intense desire, it is the willingness to suffer and sacrifice for our desire to be fulfilled.
- Vision provides inspiration. It gives us a reason to do things, to make sacrifices, to say no to other opportunities. Vision driven people are very motivated. They WANT to get things done.
- Vision takes us in a particular direction. It serves as a roadmap. Vision leads us to our destiny. Vision simplifies decision-making. I love sports. I loved and played basketball. But when I got a vision for my life, I did something that shocked my friends. I gave up basketball. I quit my team in the middle of season. Something more important had taken hold of my heart. I went back to basketball later in the season, but then it was a means to a far greater end goal: my God given vision.
Purpose. Vision gives you a reason to do what you do. Vision gives purpose and purpose gives us momentum to move in a direction. A vision gives you the clarity of purpose to overcome barriers and make sacrifices. Another way to say this is vision gives us a reason for what we do.
The Divine Element
God has a vision for your life. You were dreamed over by God before you were born. His part was to create us with purpose and vision, and our part is to discover it. When God speaks to us He turns possibilities in our lives into a conviction and a hope for our future. God has a mental picture of who you can be and what can be accomplished through your life. By hearing from God we begin to believe in our vision. Knowing your vision is from God turns a possible dream into a must-do conviction. Above all things, seek God for His vision for your life… but remember, He won’t reveal it to the casual person who doesn’t care enough to ask Him and to seek him diligently.
Practically speaking, how does God use the circumstances of our lives to give us vision?
Three ways: By seeing a need and responding to the need – doing something about it Being dissatisfied with what is happening around you in life Hearing from God that He wants to use you to make a difference.
How do you discover your vision?
Take some time to LOOK… Look within you – what is your passion? What has God already spoken to you about? What strong desire is growing in you? Submit it to the Lord and if it grows, accept it as a calling, a vision from God for your life. Psalm 37:4-5 Look behind you – how have past lessons and experiences prepared you to pursue your vision? What experiences and people has God used to speak to you and grow certain desires and convictions in you? Look around you – what’s happening around you in the circumstances and relationships of your life that God has used to stir vision in you? There are people that God has placed in your life to speak vision into your life. Look ahead of you – what do you want to accomplish with your life? It may be that the desires and dreams you have for you future are God’s way of speaking to you, of giving you vision for your life.
Look above you – what part does God play in your life and dream? How has God spoken to you in the past? Write down the promises God has given you. If you don’t have any, ask God for them and keep your ears alert to note them when He speaks. Read the Bible with expectancy… what would God like to speak to you from His Word? Look beside you – what resources are available to you? What skills and abilities do you have that you can use to make a difference in people’s lives? Use them. Offer them in service. Get involved. Look alongside you – who can partner with you in this pursuit? Are you part of a community of faith? Are their great people who share your concerns and convictions? They are there for a reason.”
”Without a vision the people perish.” Prov 29:18
Sources:
Floyd McClung – ‘How to Get Vision for Your Life’ http://floydandsally.com/2015/02/16/how-to-get-vision-for-your-life/
Martin Luther King’s Speech: American Rhetoric – http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm
Dr Martin Luther King Jr. on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King,_Jr.
Have you thought about becoming a qualified counsellor? It’s a great opportunity to learn how you can extend God's love and grace to the hurting out in the community.
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A Master of Counselling course was introduced in 2018.