Defining Our Life Vision

“Where there is no revelation [or prophetic vision], the people cast off restraint . . .” (Proverbs 29:18).

I have been thinking a lot about the process of defining our vision. It can take some time to identify your overall purpose statement. It cannot be made up off the top of your head, or it will not be authentic. It is not wishful thinking, either. It is a statement that recognizes who you are as an individual. Of course, we can say that we want to follow God all the days of our lives, but perhaps that is too general. Each of us is a mirror designed to reflect God in a totally unique way. And He has unlimited facets to reflect! So, before God in prayer, consider what makes you uniquely you. What aspect of God totally fascinates you? Is it love? Wisdom? Justice? Compassion? Faith? Intimacy? Healing? The list could go on and on. (Make your own!) This can be a clue to help you understand the way God desires to express Himself in and through you. Ask God to reveal His vision to your heart.

Keep it as simple as possible. One thing I have noticed about others’ vision statements is that they are first directed toward who I am, and then toward how God wants to use me to impact others. Jesus didn’t say “Sit at my feet and soak it all in for your enjoyment alone.” No, He said “Go into all the world . . .” (Mark 16:15). “Love each other” (John 15:12). So our vision statement should take us outside ourselves into the lives of others as well.

Here is my vision statement as an example: To live a life of intimacy with God such that others are inspired to pursue Him in a deeper way. Here’s another example (my husband’s): To live a life of faith so that my children, grandchildren, and others see that it’s the best way to live.

What excites me about my vision statement is that it gives me a context for understanding how God is working in my life. In ten years, I will be able to look back and see how God has sovereignly orchestrated my life toward intimacy and to see how others have deeper relationships with Him as a result. It can be applied to my relationships with my husband, children and others.

In addition, your vision statement is helpful because it will help you to remember what you are here for. When temptation comes or life becomes mundane, it is easy to lose focus. We forget or neglect to do the things that once propelled us toward our destiny in God. Let your vision statement be God’s perspective of you, and let it challenge you to keep pursuing Him even when it’s hard or boring.

"Once we lose sight of God, we begin to be reckless. We cast off certain restraints from activities we know are wrong. We set prayer aside as well and cease having God’s vision in the little things of life. We simply begin to act on our own initiative. If we are eating only out of our own hand, and doing things solely on our own initiative without expecting God to come in, we are on a downward path. We have lost the vision. Is our attitude today an attitude that flows from our vision of God? Are we expecting God to do greater things than He has ever done before? Is there a freshness and vitality in our spiritual outlook?" (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, entry for 5/9).