Vision Map: Charting a Course for Your Hopes and DreamsSample

Seek Advisors

God never asks us to figure out how to pursue a vision on our own. He always sends guides along the way. Most importantly, he sent the Holy Spirit to give us direction. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through books, pastors, advisors, and authorities in our lives.

Every visionary needs a team of advisors who will help you navigate the challenges on the path to your vision.

In 1886, Heinrich Hertz discovered that radio waves could be bounced off of solid objects through a process called Radio Detection and Ranging, a.k.a. RADAR. Radar sends off electromagnetic waves and waits for the waves to bounce off a solid object. When the solid object reflects the signal back in the form of a “blip,” the receiver is able to get a feel for what’s ahead.

May I suggest that a good advisor should serve like radar?

The best advisors won’t tell you what to do—that is God’s job. Instead, they are simply solid objects that serve as sounding boards, reflecting back valuable insight and offering principles that will help you navigate uncertain terrain.

When a dream is placed in your heart, priority number one should be to seek out advisors. Good ones—solid folks you can bounce ideas off of. Make sure you find an advisor who will share principles they’ve learned. Look for someone who is walking their talk—someone who has shown a radical commitment to Christ and who is more concerned about what He is doing in you than about your comfort. You need bold folks who tell you the truth, not what they think you want to hear.

I love this old African proverb: “Never buy clothes from a naked man.”

Here’s my translation: Don’t take advice from someone who clearly hasn’t shown themselves knowledgeable in that area.

If possible, find someone who did it right the first time.

If you need parenting advice, finding some parents who you admire how their kids are living their lives.
If you want to start a business, find someone who did it successfully.
If God brings someone in your path who has some experience, remember you can learn from everyone, so don’t discount anyone God sends your way.

God has placed those advisors all around you – you just have to humbly ask for their insight and help.

You aren't alone in this. God will guide you where you need to go.

Today, take a moment to think about the people God has placed around you who could offer you insight and wisdom on the journey. Write down their names and then reach out and humbly ask them for help.