SCRIPTURE: PROVERBS 29:18

• As shared by Pastor-Evangelist, Rev. Don Schink, (C) 2005

1. Spiritual in nature – a vision of faith: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" [Hebrews 11:1 NIV]. "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him" [Hebrews 11:6]. Never leave God out of any of our plans. Reach out to Him, seeking His best in all that we set out to accomplish.
2. Challenging – It must stretch us [Illustration – like a rubber band]. Motivating challenge is necessary for success of any vision. We need to be willing to stretch ourselves far beyond our normal expectations or capabilities! As such, even when we get tired we find true motivation to strengthen ourselves and go on, seeking the Holy Spirit's wisdom and direction!
3. Preferable – It burns within our hearts: Therefore it takes top priority! We're excited to be able to be even a tiny part of God's vast plan of redemption! We look forward to what He is willing to do in us and through us! Although we may be involved in many worthwhile activities in life, none of these things come before serving our Lord!
4. Specific – verifiable with Scripture. Anything that we are doing in service for Jesus must always be verifiable with Scripture. If even the slightest bit of whatever we are attempting cannot be verified as being in line with God's Word, it needs to be immediately abandoned. A vision must be specific, in line with God's Word and not so lofty that it can never happen. A specific target gives those involved realistic expectations and targets to hit. When the target is kept before us, giving reachable, realistic and specific plans to shoot for, various degrees of success are inevitable and attainable.
5. Attainable – enabled by the strength and empowerment of God – YOU CAN DO IT! I've always believed in setting goals. When we do, our short-range goals must always be within reasonable reach, always keeping far-reaching goals in front of oneself or the group, to enable the person or persons to stretch beyond what we know that any of us have the ability to do. Goals must always be attainable while keeping the larger goals in mind, like the illustration of keeping a carrot in front of the rabbit on the string. The rabbit gets to eat as he goes yet the more lucious carrot draws him to stretch him. Attainable goals prevent discouragement while allowing people to stretch beyond normal beliefs and activities.
6. Personal – not only will you and I see it but you and I can sell (give) it! We can do it! "I can do everything through Him [Jesus] Who gives me strength" [Philippians 4:13].
7. Empowering – providing power for passage of God’s Spirit for empowerment. We need to wait on the Holy Spirit. Then once we've found His will for what we are to do, we step out in faith, knowing that He is more than willing and able to guide us in greater accomplishments that are far beyond our normal reach!

1. Confusion – God is not the author of confusion. The devil is. Throughout the Bible, God is truly the Man with the Plan! He carefully guides and directs that which He knows is best for mankind, decently and in order. It is when man gets in the way, allowing Satan to entwine himself in the midst that things get cloudy and goals are thwarted.
2. Weakness – Lack of motivation. The Bible is very clear that "Without a vision, the people perish!" Discouragement sets in. People slump into ruts. And as it is often said, "A rut is a grave with both ends knocked out." Lack of distinct purpose and clear visions and goals can kill many a good ministry's potential. Let's not be guilty of getting in the Lord's way, allowing the devil to have even the slightest foothold, leading to defeat and confusion… even certain death of a ministry that could otherwise be vibrant and effective for the Lord!
3. Impotency – Ineffectiveness that often leads to discouragement and feelings of uselessness. When a person or a group slips into impotency, there is no renewed life. Future fruitfulness is lost in impotency. There is no new life. The results are truly tragic. It is a slippery slope that needs to be prevented by taking the proper precautions long before it reaches this deadly stage where future new birth, growth and vitality becomes ultimately locked out, never to be regained.

Oswald Chambers once said, "The saints duty is to be still and listen. When God gives you a vision and darkness follows, wait. God will bring the vision He has given you to reality in your life if you wait on His timing." [Wings of Eagles]

As the Word says, in Ephesians, chapter 2:8-9 [NIV], "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– not by works, so that no one can boast." Then we will hear those precious words, as seen in Matthew 25:21 [NIV], ""His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!’ " After all, He Who lovingly created us knows what is best for each of us, as well as being more than willing to enable and empower us for effective outreach to others. Truly effective visions, goals and purpose comes from prayerfully seeking His Word and His will in each and every circumstance!

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Scripture quoted is from the: New International Version (NIV)
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