Guided by Grace: Vision Casting With Purposeنموونە

Setting Clear Goals – Abraham’s Mission for Isaac

Casting a vision or goal planning, as some say, can seem daunting. However, when God gives the vision, while it may seem scary, you have to look at it as a clearly defined map to move toward success. I have been helping people for almost 20 years to map out their vision. I have seen firsthand how it can be a stumbling block to living life freely. While the world may be telling us to create our own table, while that might be true, but vision casting and walking the vision out is not meant to be done alone.

We can be encouraged by looking at Abraham, the Father of Faith. He was a steadfast example of what it looks like to move by God’s plan. He understood the significance of having a clear and specific goal, especially regarding the future of his beloved son, Isaac. With God's promise of multiplying his descendants, finding a suitable wife for Isaac was paramount.

In Genesis Chapter 17, God made a covenant with Abraham. In verses 7- 8, God was very clear on the covenant too. The scripture states, "I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. 8 The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.”

There is no hesitation to what God was saying. Therefore, when it came time for the fruit of the word to pour forth, Abraham didn’t leave this enormous task to just anyone. He knew specifically who would help carry out the task with a spirit of excellence.

In Genesis 24:1-4 (NIV)

“Abraham was now very old, and the Lord had blessed him in every way. He said to the chief servant in his household, the one in charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh. I want you to swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am living, but will go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac.” .

Not only did he have a clear vision, he had to be specific. The covenant with the Lord was at the top of the list. Abraham's instructions to find a wife in the right family would lead to the fulfilled promise. This ensured that the blessing that God had in store wasn't left to chance. He wanted to ensure that he stayed true to God’s word by inviting his servant to work alongside him to get to the other side of the promise.

Staying true to knowing and understanding what God needs and desires in the goal-setting process requires discernment. Seeking God has to be top priority so that you know and begin to walk towards the purpose you were created for. When you seek the Lord, you may have to take the 10-day journey or the 10-year journey. It may require you to physically or spiritually move. Nevertheless, you will get there. You want to be laser-focused because it helps with making decisions.

If Abraham had given a simple instruction, "Go find a wife for my son Isaac.”, the outcome could have been entirely different. The direction to go allowed him to chart a course and work towards the goal more effectively. A vague goal leaves too much room for interpretation and can lead to misalignment with the vision, and you can get out of order. You have to ask yourself: Is this goal clear enough to guide the action?

Abraham's confidence in the mission was not solely based on his own understanding but was rooted in his intimate relationship with God. In order for this to work in accordance with God’s plan, Abraham had to keep the covenant established in Genesis Chapter 17:6 at the forefront of his mind. “I will make you extremely fruitful. Your descendants will become many nations, and kings will be among them!”

As the servant set out on this quest in Genesis Chapter 24, he sought the Lord for direction in verse 12, Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.” God heard his prayer and was right beside him on the quest.

We see the success in carrying out the mission in verse 15, "Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder.” When the servant returned home with Rebekah, as soon as both Isaac and Rebekah saw each other it was love at first sight. We see the fruit of this mission because the servant moved by the direction of Abraham and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

We need to invite God into the process of goal setting. The vision that was cast blessed others along the way. Abraham protected his lineage, his servant grew in confidence, and Rebekah and Isaac fell in love immediately. It provides a strong source of motivation and perseverance, that will help ensure that your desire is in line with his will.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I praise You and thank You for the example of Abraham and his dedication to setting clear goals in accordance with Your promises. As I am walking out my journey help me to define my own objectives with precision, and guide me in seeking Your will every step of the way with the right people by my side. May I seek you as I am setting my goals so that the purpose for my life matches your purpose and will be a blessing to others. I trust in Your wisdom and timing as I pursue what You have planned for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.