Visioneering

1. Vision Springs from Dissatisfaction and Moral Conviction

Vision is a clear mental picture of what could be, fueled by the conviction that it should be.

The birth of vision. A true vision isn't just a fleeting idea; it's born from a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the status quo, coupled with a moral conviction that things should be different. This tension between what is and what could be ignites a fire within, compelling individuals to act.

• Vision often begins with a concern, a burden for something that breaks your heart.
• It's not merely about what could be done, but what should be done.

Nehemiah's example. Nehemiah's vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem stemmed from his profound sadness and concern over the deplorable conditions of his homeland. This burden drove him to prayer and fasting, setting the stage for his transformative actions.

Moral imperative. A God-ordained vision will eventually feel like a moral imperative, a calling that cannot be ignored. This sense of urgency propels individuals to overcome obstacles and persevere in the face of adversity.

2. Patience and Planning are Essential During the Waiting Period

Pray for opportunities and plan as if you expect God to answer your prayers.

Productive waiting. The period between receiving a vision and being able to act on it can be agonizing. However, this "downtime" is crucial for maturing the vision and preparing for its execution.

• Use this time to pray for opportunities and favor.
• Develop a detailed plan, as if success is guaranteed.

Nehemiah's strategy. Nehemiah spent four months praying and planning before he had the opportunity to present his vision to King Artaxerxes. He meticulously outlined the steps required to rebuild the wall, from securing the king's permission to organizing the workforce.

Michael's story. Michael saved diligently, driving an old car and living frugally, for seven years, not knowing exactly what opportunity would arise, but knowing he wanted to be ready. When the right opportunity came, he had the capital to invest.

3. God Positions and Prepares You Through Current Circumstances

God is using your circumstances to position and prepare you.

Divine positioning. It's easy to feel stuck or frustrated in your current circumstances, especially when they seem unrelated to your vision. However, God often uses these very circumstances to position and prepare you for what lies ahead.

• Your present situation is not an accident; it's part of God's plan.
• Faithfulness in your current role is a form of success.

Charles Stanley's journey. Charles Stanley's move to First Baptist Church of Atlanta as an associate pastor seemed like a step down, but it was God's way of positioning him for future leadership and the birth of In Touch Ministries.

Embrace the process. Instead of cursing your surroundings, celebrate your faithfulness in spite of them. God is working behind the scenes, even when you can't see it.

4. Divine Orchestration: Trusting the "How" to God

What God originates, he orchestrates.

Focus on the "what," not the "how." Often, we know what God has called us to do long before we understand how He intends to bring it about. It's tempting to get bogged down in the details of logistics, but the "how" is ultimately God's responsibility.

• Chris had a vision to share the gospel with every student at Dunwoody High School, but it was Mark who ultimately delivered the message.
• Mary asked the angel, "How can this be?" and the angel replied, "Nothing will be impossible with God."

Faithful action. Your responsibility is to remain faithful to God and focused on the vision, doing what you know to do and trusting Him to fill in the blanks.

Sandra's women's ministry. Sandra and her team spent a year praying and planning before launching their women's ministry, trusting God to guide their steps and provide the necessary resources.

5. Faith: The Bedrock of Visionary Pursuits

The testing of your faith produces endurance.

Faith as confidence. Faith is not a force to manipulate God, but rather a confident trust in His character and promises. Embracing a vision, especially in the face of daunting circumstances, is an act of faith.

• Noah built the ark despite never having seen rain.
• Abraham obeyed God's call to a new homeland, not knowing where he was going.

God's glory. The more unlikely the fulfillment of a vision, the more faith is required, and consequently, the greater the potential for God's glory.

Nehemiah's dependence. Nehemiah never lost sight of his dependence on God, even when King Artaxerxes granted his requests. He recognized that it was "the good hand of my God" that had made it possible.

6. Investigate Before Initiating: The Power of Taking Inventory

Walk before you talk; investigate before you initiate.

Fact-finding mission. Before announcing your vision to the world, take the time to investigate the situation thoroughly. This involves asking questions, talking to people who have pursued similar visions, reading, and observing.

• Investigation will confirm the divine origin of your vision.
• It will give further definition and focus to the vision.
• It may tip you off that you were mistaken about the vision altogether.

Nehemiah's midnight ride. Nehemiah spent three days secretly inspecting the walls of Jerusalem before sharing his vision with anyone. This allowed him to gain firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities involved.

Matt's music career. Matt's investigation into the business side of the Christian music industry led him to a fulfilling career as a publicist, even though he lacked the talent to be a musician.

7. Communicate Vision as a Solution to a Pressing Problem

Communicate your vision as a solution to a problem that must be addressed now.

Four vital components. Every compelling vision includes four key elements:

1. The problem
2. The solution
3. The reason something must be done
4. The reason something must be done now

Nehemiah's speech. Nehemiah's visioncasting speech to the people of Jerusalem clearly articulated the problem (the desolate state of the city), the solution (rebuilding the wall), the reason for action (to end their reproach), and the urgency of the moment (God's favor and the king's support).

Frank Blake's vision. Frank Blake, as the new CEO of Home Depot, zeroed in on the Inverted Pyramid, a concept in Home Depot’s corporate legacy, to restore the organization's vision in a time of testing.

8. Moral Authority: The Cornerstone of Lasting Influence

Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing.

Influence beyond position. While position can grant authority, true influence stems from moral authority, the credibility earned by aligning your words with your actions.

• Moral authority is fragile and takes a lifetime to build, but can be lost in a moment.
• It's about being beyond reproach, demonstrating consistency between your beliefs and behavior.

Nehemiah's example. Nehemiah's decision to forgo his governor's food allowance for twelve years gave him the moral authority to confront the nobles and officials who were exploiting the people.

Jim Bakker's story. Jim Bakker's prison sentence was part of God's vision for Jim's life.

9. Guard Against Distractions: Opportunities, Criticism, and Fear

I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.

The power of focus. Maintaining a vision requires unwavering focus, guarding against distractions that can derail your progress. These distractions often come in the form of:

• Opportunities: Good things that can pull you away from the best things.
• Criticism: Negative feedback that can discourage and derail you.
• Fear: Uncertainty and anxiety that can paralyze you.

Nehemiah's resolve. Nehemiah refused to be distracted by Sanballat's invitations or threats, declaring, "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down."

Vicky's story. Vicky, a talented actress, chose to prioritize her role as a stay-at-home mom, recognizing that her greatest work was within her family.

10. The Ultimate Goal: Directing Focus Back to God

The end of a God-ordained vision is God.

Beyond achievement. The ultimate purpose of a God-ordained vision is not merely to achieve a specific goal, but to draw attention back to God and His glory.

• Your visions are avenues God will use to do something through you.
• They are also avenues God will use to do something in you.

Israel's transformation. The completion of the wall around Jerusalem led to a spiritual awakening among the people, who recognized God's intervention and turned to His Law.

Truett Cathy's gratitude. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, attributed his success to God's grace and sought to glorify Him through his business practices.

Last updated: February 27, 2025