The future is often a big gray area of unknowns, holding a host of things we cannot foresee. Thankfully, we have a God who knows the future, who has carefully planned all things. It's our job to trust that God has everything under control and to seek His direction. Each of us needs to ask, "God, what's the next step in your purpose for my life?" and eagerly anticipate his answer, because his vision for what's next in our life is better than any of the visions we have for ourselves.
When you seek direction, God may not speak to you in an audible voice, but He will communicate His message. That's the incredible news the prophet Amos proclaims when he says that God "reveals His thoughts" (Amos 4:13). That's what Daniel was explaining to King Nebuchadnezzar when he said that there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets (Daniel 2:28). Our God, the God of Amos and Daniel, wants you to trust Him to reveal His thoughts about your purpose. He not only has a vision for you, but when the timing is perfect, He will reveal it. Just as he was clear with prophets like Samuel and Isaiah when he chose them to carry his messages, he will be clear with you.
So what kind of vision can we expect from God? Vision is an awareness of how God wants to use you in a bold way to accomplish his purposes. It is catching a glimpse of his multidimensional life strategy for you-the type of person he wants you to become and what he wants you to do for him.
God's primary vision for your life is already clearly revealed in the Bible. Basically we are to love God, love our neighbor, and go and make disciples. This broadly cast vision is our anchor point for living a purposeful life. But God's vision does not end there. He also reveals to each of us his individual, specific assignment in relationship to that broader vision.
God's unique vision for you can be described as a desire that steals your heart-either immediately or eventually-and shouts to you, "This is your sacred commission, far beyond your everyday purposes in life." It is the exclusive, heart-engaging work God prearranged for you before you were born. It is how you and you alone, will minister with excellence in the eyes of the Lord.
Sometimes God will give us sneak previews or a series of impressions about His vision for us, unfolding His plan piece by piece. Other times He'll interrupt our lives and lay it all before us. In any case, Jesus Christ wants to manifest Himself in your life and He wants to make it obvious who He is and what He would like to see happen in you.
So how can you prepare yourself in the meantime to listen for God's thoughts and receive His vision for your life?
Pray. The best thing to do while you anticipate God's revelation of a vision for your life is to pray. Pray that you will hear God and be made pliable in his hands, and pray too for God's perfect timing, that he will ready the hearts of the people he is sending you to serve.
Ask Others to Pray. Surround yourself with loving, supportive people who will pray with you regarding God's vision for your life. Ask them to pray specifically that you will be receptive to God's best for you.
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