How To See God's Vision For Your Life

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." These words were uttered by the Apostle, Paul toward the end of his life.

This is the way I've come to think about Paul, the stalwart defender of the faith. The man who risked his life for what he saw as God's guiding vision for him.

But while we celebrate Paul's inspirational ending, we must also remember his beginning. He did not become the man who said the words quoted above overnight.

It took some time for Paul to see God's vision, and then it took the rest of his life to fulfill it.

That process is the same for you and me. Discerning God's vision for your life takes time. God never gives the full vision at once. Think about it. Would you be prepared to hear every detail God has for you in the future?

We're not built for that. Instead, God reveals His vision over time, and it's our job and our joy to discern it and then do it!

So, did God leave us on our own to discover His will?

No!

He left us with clues and tools for the journey of discovery. Here are some that you can put to use right away.

Your History

What's your story? Who are you as a person? What are your likes and dislikes? What are you passionate about? What makes your blood boil? What are you good at? What do the people who know you the best say you're best at?

If money were no object, how would you use your time?

Spend some time answering these questions. They hold clues about the person God made you to be. He didn't give you a love and a talent for science, art or business for no reason.

God is the Master Designer. You are made for your mission. So to know God's vision, you have to consider your back story.

Your Vision

Can you see a picture of what you think you may be called to do? Is there someone else who is doing a similar thing or living a similar dream? If so, then snap a picture.

This may involve saving a digital picture or an old-fashioned magazine article or picture about the person who is successfully doing what you would like to do.

Some people do Vision Boards or save clippings in folders. It varies from person to person, but the key is to get a picture of your preferred future. That is what a vision is — a clear picture of a preferred future.

Your Prayer Life

God's people have been known to miss God's best because they fail to ask for it. If you are to receive, you must ask. I suggest that you begin to seek God specifically about your assignment.

You may also add fasting (as your doctor allows) to your prayer time to deepen your ask.

But when you ask, be sure to pray honestly. No need to fluff things up. Pray your honest feelings. Pray constantly. This means that you don't give up if your prayer isn't answered in a week or a month.

Pray also confidently (believing you will hear from God). If you lack confidence, consider praying with a partner. Group prayer packs a more powerful punch. A prayer partner will also encourage your faith.

Your Faith And Expectancy

Once you've done all of the above, be mindful of what is going on around you. Did anything change? Did God open or close any doors? Did you experience any inner heart movement?

As best as you can, set an intention to hear from God, and be in expectation as you wait. All of these factors will come together to begin to paint a picture of God's vision for your life.

You will begin to see it "afar off" and it will draw near to you as you draw near to God.

There's no microwave version of the process. As you take these steps, the vision will emerge.

In the weeks ahead, we'll discuss what you can do to take hold of it and run. I'd love to hear what God is doing in your life today. What's been your experience seeking God's vision?

Blessings, Wayne

You can learn more about this topic by purchasing my e-Book, "How To Know God's Vision For Your Life." Read about the 4 steps necessary to unlock your divine destiny!

You may also access my other e-Book: "God Help Me I'm Stressed" by clicking this link. Learn how to access the power of God to overcome stress and anxiety!

Gill Family Ministries is a 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to the sharing of God's love. Please consider a generous tax-deductible donation. Please see the "Donate" button at the top of the page.