“And the Lord answered me, and said write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that reads it.” Habakkuk 2:2
Habakkuk 2:2 is the major verse in the Bible when it comes to talking about writing a vision. I have witnessed people who get excited when they hear this verse proclaimed by a pastor or teacher. They will shout, give their neighbors high five and dance around with great enthusiasm upon the declaration of this word.
It is sad to report that after hearing this powerful verse proclaimed many people still do not make the effort or take the time to write their personal and/or family vision. It sounds inspiring and motivating to hear a teacher or preacher proclaim, “Write the vision and make it plain…” But, it is another story when it comes to actually writing out and implementing it.
I have discovered that it takes more than just hearing an inspirational message, reading a book or attending a weekend seminar about vision. It takes a concentrated effort to take the time to write your vision and an unwavering commitment to implement it.
I remember as if it was yesterday, one evening after my family had gone to bed, I went to my study room in the basement to ask God some serious questions about my life’s direction. As I began to tell Him the most pressing questions on my heart, I was led to read the book of Habakkuk. After reading the book of Habakkuk several times, it hit me like a ton of bricks that I needed a written vision from God to implement in my life, marriage and family.
After spending quality time studying and meditating on Habakkuk 2:1-4, I extrapolated seven keys to unlocking the power of God’s vision for your life.
1. Vision is revealed to the person in position to listen.
In order for you to unlock the power of your vision, you must get alone with God to listen for His directions. Your place can be a room in the basement, the living room after everyone is asleep, an early morning walk or a quiet place in the park. Your time alone with Him must be uninterrupted. Put away your mobile devices, turn off the television, close your Facebook page and tell your family and friends not to disturb you.
2. Vision must be written down.
After you have spent time seeking God, write down in explicit details what He reveals to you. Write it in the present tense, as though it has already happened. A written vision gives you the correct directions and coordinates you need to follow to get to your desired destination. It gives you the inspiration and motivation you need to push through life’s toughest challenges.
3. Vision must be made plain.
You need to write your vision in plain, simple to understand language that even a fifth grader can grasp it. Creating a vision that is clear and simple to understand eliminates confusion that can hinder your progress. A vision that is plain will energize and ignite an excitement in everyone that is connected to it and they will run with it in eager anticipation.
4. Vision must be posted.
Once you have written your vision and made it plain, now it is time to post it so that everyone connected to it can read it. Your posted vision statement is your constant reminder of what is possible in your life, family and/or marriage if you follow its directions. It becomes your motivator to overcome life’s discouragements, distractions and disappointments that comes against your vision.
5. Vision overcomes obstacles.
Do not think because God gives you a clear vision that everything is going to be smooth sailing. You are going to encounter some steep challenges and you will hit some unforeseeable turbulence. But, a vision from God gives you the strength and courage to pursue it with an aggressive offensive attack that empowers you to overcome any obstacle that stands in your way.
6. Vision will manifest itself in God’s time.
Please do not rush your vision. Be patient. When you make your own plans to manifest your vision, you force those plans into your own timetable and can possibly delay or detour your destiny. Visions manifest when God determines the right time.
7. Vision must be lived by faith.
The more you focus your attention on your vision the more your faith grows. Taking slow and steady faith steps on your vision journey opens the door for opportunities to succeed. If you choose to activate your faith, you will courageously move forward in following your promised path that leads to vision success.
If you implement these seven keys, your vision will powerfully impact in your life, family and everyone connected to you.
Question: What can you do to unlock the power of God’s vision for your life? Leave a comment.
Dan Black says
These are some important things to remember about vision. I believe we can unlock more of God’s vision by reading the Word of God and seeking Him.
I think a lot of people don’t understand the importance and need to write down their vision and goals of accomplishing the vision. I still have some personal things God has spoken to me about what He wants me to do in the back of one of my bibles.
Bernard Haynes says
You are on target, Dan. A lot of people talk about vision and desire to have a vision, but they don’t spend the time seeking God for a vision. It is very important to write your vision so that it constantly before us. It is our reminder of the direction for our life. We will support a business or ministry vision. I believe it is more important for us to have a written vision that guides our life.
Mathew A Veldskoen says
Bernard, it is not that easy…. I have done it in the past, I wrote it down, forward it to various people but unfortunately nothing happens… how do u know that it is God’s time, how do u know it is the right time to release your vision, to share it with somebody….. it looks at the end of the day that u are stuck with your vision….. there are more than something at the end of the day u get discouraged as nothing happens… privacy is another option…. for some of us there is no privacy…. it seems we need a lecturer like u in Namibia in particular for our young people and even for us adults, as we have lost hope brother… when u share your vision with somebody…. it is tough…. Mathew…. Namibia
Bernard Haynes says
Matthew, thanks for your comment. You bring out some excellent points. I believe you know God’s timing as you spend time praying, meditating and opening your ears to hear what He is saying in His Word about your vision. When you spend that time listening and talking to God, you will know in your spirit the time to release your vision. There is no special formula or magical moment, you just know. God will show you who to show your vision to. Some times we have to wait before we tell anyone. I know it is hard to keep quiet when you know you have a vision to implement. I know with me I prayed about it and waited for awhile before I told anyone about my vision other than my wife. You have to be careful with who you share your vision with because a lot of people are vision killers. Keep pressing towards your vision. I will be in prayer for you as you move forward with your vision.
Loren Pinilis says
I love what you’ve said here about vision being plain. I think a lot of times we just have this ethereal vision that’s not really concrete. And that doesn’t really motivate us or give us direction when the going gets tough.
Bernard Haynes says
Loren, you are right about not having a concrete vision. A clear vision gives us direction. Just because we have a clear vision doesn’t mean we will not encounter struggles and challenges.
TC Avey says
James 1:19 came to mind as I read this.
I’m guilty of talking too much. Even my prayers can get long. Lately I’ve been focusing on the Lords Prayer. Trying to keep my words few so that I can listen more to Him.
Paul Sohn says
Love this post brother!
Bernard Haynes says
Thanks, Paul. How are things with you?
Demetrice Roshelle Singletary says
Thanks for the steps ,learned a few things here.
Bernard Haynes says
Glad the steps helped.
Malcolm Solomon says
This has just confirmed what God has been showing me thank you for writing this article. I love it ! God Bless!
Bernard Haynes says
I am glad the article helped. Check out my book Vision Impact under my store. It will encourage, equip and empower you through living out your vision. Be blessed.
Diamond Jones says
Thank u so much ive made many vision board i thank God for clarity of it thank u for help me understand
JOSSY DC says
I like this so much! I always wanted to understand this verse better, and this article has really helped. But my question is for #6. When it says that we shouldn’t rush our vision. Are you only talking about the Vision that God has given and shown us in our mind or also the other visions that we are trying to manifest on our own? And what I mean by the vision we trying to manifest is for Example: manifesting my beautiful home, manifesting my car, manifesting marriage, manifesting children, manifesting success, ETC. Also, when it says when you make your own plans
JOSSY DC says
I like this so much! I always wanted to understand this verse better, and this article has really helped. But my question is for #6. When it says “when you make your own plans to manifest your vision, you force those plans into your own timetable and can possibly delay or detour your destiny.” Are you only talking about the Vision that God has given and shown us in our mind or also the other visions that we are trying to manifest on our own? And what I mean by the vision we trying to manifest on our own is for Example: manifesting my beautiful home, manifesting my car, manifesting marriage, manifesting children, manifesting success, ETC. So I shouldn’t try to manifest none of these other things because it will delay the vision God has given and shown me in my mind ?
Kesh says
Yes!
Kesh says
Thank you! You are much needed in the body
Felicia Bell says
Thank you so very much ,This help to open my eyes to more understanding ,and to keep hope alive. Please keep me and my family in your prayers, God Bless! An Much Love!?
Roy G says
Time to write the vision.
Aretha Simpson says
Thanks so much Mr. Haynes! You are truly a Blessing to the Body of Christ for such a time as this!
Bernard Haynes says
Aretha, thanks for your encouragement.
Moses Oluwole says
Please can I be allowed to share this article with other pastors & church?
Bernard Haynes says
Moses, you can share the article. Also let Pastors know that my book and workbook Vision Impact would be great for the people in their church.
Nichole Miles says
Hello Mr. Haynes,
I have been on a journey for quite some time to become clear on my life’s purpose. I have been reading a book that talks about lessons from King Soloman’s life and one of the lessons was about the power of having a vision. It talks about not only articulating your dream, but writing down actual steps with deadlines to ensure it manifests. I was continuing my study on the power of vision and came across your article today. I truly appreciate the time, knowledge and wisdom you have shared with us. I have taken notes and plan on implementing them in my life. Again, thanks for sharing your insight and may God continue to bless your life and vision.
Bernard Haynes says
I appreciate you reading the article. If you want a book and workbook that will help you in realizing and living out your God designed vision then you need to check out my book and workbook Vision Impact. It goes deeper into the the total vision process. The book and workbook is based on the 5 elements of a powerful vision. They are know your purpose, define your values, see your future, set your goals and work your plan. Let your vision live and thrive. Be blessed.
Nichole Miles says
Thanks for letting me know about your book and workbook. It sounds like a great investment for anyone that wants to solidify these principals in their life!
S Hope says
So I came across this blog at the right time. I have decided to begin coaching small groups for startups this year, and I was looking for a better, in-depth explanation of this scripture in an attempt to step away from the theatrics of the message and focus on the point. I love the inspiration within this blog. You definitely pulled out the key points, even on a personal level. Would it be a problem to quote you and share your blog?
Bernard Haynes says
Thanks for commenting. It would be no problem to quote me and share my blog with others. If you want an even more in-depth look at vision, my book and workbook Vision Impact are great tools. The book offers 42 motivational messages to help you move forward with your vision and the workbook helps you write out your vision which includes your (purpose, values, future & goals). You will have plan that you can put to work. You can purchase them on Amazon. or a PDF version from my website.