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Vision:
As we start today, let's take a look at what God told Habakkuk in Habakkuk 2:3 (NASB 1995), "For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay."

Vision is a powerful thing. There is no way to bring a turnaround in a church, a business, a community, or any other endeavor without a vision. The Proverb writer tells us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18, KJV). There is nothing more discouraging and depressing than having a calling without a vision. We see this in the story of Elijah after his mighty victory at Mt. Carmel:

And he was afraid and arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree; and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers.”

Then he came there to a cave and lodged there; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”—1 Kings 19:3-4, 9-10 (NASB 1995)

Elijah had a calling, but he had lost his vision. He was whipped. He was discouraged. He was depressed. He wanted to die. He was wrapped up with self-pity. He said, “I am the only one left.” This is what happens when you have a calling, but no vision.Many find themselves in this place, and they begin to feel like Elijah. They feel alone. They feel like nobody understands, nobody cares, nothing’s working for them, and so they start looking for somewhere else to go. They call the overseer and request to move. They ask that their name be run in any place available to them. They are ready to “get out of dodge!” Truthfully, they are doing exactly what Elijah did—running. And one day God says to them what He said to Elijah, “. . . What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:9, NASB 1995).

Vision is much more than what most people think. It’s much more than a slogan or a statement. Vision is a picture of a preferred future. However, it’s not something that is seen with your eyes. If you can see it with your eyes, it’s not about the future but the present. Vision is seen in your spirit. It is a picture painted by God on the canvas of your heart.