The success of every life is tied to the vision that is set before us. Proverbs 29:18 states, “Where there is no revelation (vision), the people cast off restraint.” Without a vision, there is no motivation to move forward. We are called to be people of purpose, but purpose must be linked to vision. Your future is defined by where you’re headed. If you lack vision, purpose, or goals, your future will stagnate right where you are now. Can you imagine living 80 to 90 years and leaving behind nothing to show that you were here?
The hard-working farmer dedicates his entire day to tending to his crops. He envisions the many people he will feed and the products that will be created, and he recognizes that he has devoted his life to meeting the needs of others—a life spent with honor.
Parents raise their children to know God, investing their efforts in preparing them for the future. When grandchildren arrive, these parents join the effort to help them grow into purposeful individuals filled with vision and passion. As they pass away, they are fondly remembered by all they have touched; their memories are filled with good deeds and acts done on behalf of their families. They will serve as examples for years to come.
In contrast, many who die have lived without a clear vision for their lives. They step into eternity having never embraced their true purpose. Israel, as a nation, was called out of Egypt with a vision of where they were headed and a purpose to become the people of God. They were meant to represent all that God is to the nations of the world, inheriting a land that flows with milk and honey. This journey was intended to demonstrate God’s ability to bring us from brokenness to wholeness and from emptiness to fullness. Ultimately, all of this reflects the fact that God has a vision for our lives.
Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
The people who once faced the hardships of slavery, devoid of a future or hope for themselves, became the embodiment of God’s covenants and promises. From this group would come the King of all kings, the Savior of all mankind, and the true example of what a future and hope truly look like.
Ephesians 1:4-6 states; “just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”
Just as Israel was called, you and I are called to praise the glory of God’s grace. We are called to stand before Him, holy and blameless.
Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” We are called to accomplish good works that have been laid out for us from the foundations of the world. This calling gives us vision and direction for our future. In this, we are responsible for ordering our present walk to accomplish all God has laid out for us.
As we start this blog, let’s consider a few daily practices we should be diligent about to fulfill our purpose in life. Our daily disciplines help us move forward to achieve what is necessary in the present for our eternal goals.
First, always clothe yourself in the armor of God.
Ephesians 6:10-11 states, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Your daily walk is a walk of faith that challenges the devil. His goal is to pull you away from faith and lead you into failure, often by trying to trip you up in various ways. By putting on the armor of God, you are protected from head to toe in all that God is. Not only that, you are weaponized with the Word of God for every situation that you may encounter.
Romans 13:12-14 states; The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore, let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”
This Scripture reminds us that night is passing and day is approaching. We need to cast off the works of darkness and put on the Lord Jesus Christ, making no provision for the flesh to fulfill its longings and desires. “The flesh” refers to our sinful nature—our human desires that go against God’s will. It is the first thing that must be kept under the blood of Christ. Its purposes are not God’s purposes, and its desires are not God’s desires. Keeping it crucified allows us to focus our day on what is important to God.
Second, we are to run our race of faith and run to WIN!
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 tells us, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore, I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
We need to know that we are in a race that is to be run with certainty and focus. You have one direction to go, and the finish line is your victory. Keeping the flesh in check and the race in front of you keeps you in the lane of success. You need to say.. “I’m running a race to win, and winning is what I will do!” Your day must be connected to the discipline of the Word. Having a clear spiritual direction is essential in the race you are undertaking.
Thirdly, we must study the Word.
Joshua 1:8 states, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Make time each day to immerse yourself in the Word. It’s essential to feed your spirit with the heart of God. When Scripture is within you, it allows the Word to work through you. This practice helps maintain perspective in your life. The world often pulls you in different directions, but by studying the Word, you empower yourself to stand strong. Having a purpose and a goal in front of you provides motivation and direction.
Romans 12:2 states, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God is.”
The will of God is not just for your future and calling; it also applies to your daily life. Approaching each day with this mindset will help us stay attuned to God’s will. This awareness will enable us to be more productive and focused as we move forward.
Fourth, we must live in a continuous state of repentance and forgiveness.
1 John 1:5-9 emphasizes the importance of this. Maintaining unbroken fellowship with God and others is essential for our success. Our earthly relationships must be covered by the sacrifice of Christ; otherwise, our praise and worship may become tainted. Unforgiveness and bitterness can obstruct our ability to hear God clearly—sometimes, it may even prevent us from hearing Him at all. By staying humble and practicing daily confession, we can ensure unhindered access to God and keep our hearts open to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Together, these practices equip us for a prosperous future. However, achieving that future success requires us to live, engage, and walk faithfully, one day at a time.
Finally, putting it all together, we must always realize that, through it all, we are witnesses not only to the world but also to the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 3:10-13 states, “to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. Therefore, I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.”
We are called to be a daily revelation of God’s goodness, mercy, and grace to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. The vision of the heavenly realm, which relates to our future, has the power to transform our present and motivates us to move forward. The most excellent vision we can have—the one that shapes all aspects of our lives—is the vision of eternity. Our understanding of God and how we will one day stand before Him influences our thoughts and actions—knowing our standing before God provides us with a clear understanding of how we should order our lives in the present.
In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul states, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul sets the standard and direction for our vision. For the believer, we have an upward calling for our lives. We have an eternal vision to which we are responsible.
Colossians 3:1-4 states, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”
This Scripture guides our vision and actions. When we seek and then establish our purpose, we find direction for how we live today. By focusing on our higher aspirations every day, our steps will align accordingly. Let us move forward with confidence, knowing that our ultimate future is secure. You and I serve as examples and witnesses to the world’s understanding of every person’s future. Remember, we are here only temporarily, and then we transition into eternity forever.
Let’s run in a way that we become a great source of light to everyone around us. As we move forward, may many be inspired by our vision and revelation. When that day comes, we want to be in our rightful place, having played our part in helping millions ascend gloriously into the presence of God. Believers, we are called, appointed, and anointed to achieve great things. Let’s do it one day at a time until we stand face to face with our King and Savior.
Your Call to Action:
1. Embrace Your God-Given Vision Today
Don’t let your days pass without direction. Ask God to reveal His vision for your life, and commit to walking it out with purpose. Start your journey of vision and purpose now—seek Him in prayer and the Word today.
2. Run Your Race with Eternal Focus
You were created for good works prepared before the foundation of the world. Discipline your heart, renew your mind, and pursue your calling with passion. Run your race to win—live every day with eternity in sight!
3. Be a Living Witness of God’s Grace
Your life is meant to reflect the wisdom, mercy, and power of God. Shine His light where you are, forgive always, and live faithfully. Let your vision inspire others to discover their purpose in Christ.
Blessings,
