Is Your Vision Clear?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

All of us are seeking some sense of purpose. We need to find what gives our lives value. We may attach that purpose to our careers, religion, children and yet change will come. Change can feel incredibly disruptive and sometimes unwanted. Even when we don’t have it all figured out, there is power in creating a vision. The more we understand where we want to go, the more we become grounded in achieving our goals, refining our characters, and most importantly – creating forward movement, through action.

Creating a vision isn’t simple, nor is seeing that vision through. Yet no matter how difficult, the first step is always the same. Define Success. If you don’t know how to measure your progress, you will always be searching but never arriving. And if you’re going to measure, then you need to know where you currently are. Self-assessment, however, is easier said than done. There is power in stripping away the layers of what we think we know so that God can show us what we need to see.

And Then Comes Commitment

When your vision is clear, there is the myth that commitment should be easier. Not necessarily. Your vision points you in a direction; your commitment is what causes you to arrive. In between your vision and arrival are stumbling blocks and challenges. Here are three ways to maintain your commitment:

1. Believe in your vision – That’s not always easy, particularly when your support is limited. Too many times, we place constraints on what is possible because we focus on what should happen instead of what God can make happen. In moments of doubt, seek wisdom. Believe that the inspiration inside of you was meant to shine because God’s power is limitless. Stay on track, and let God take care of the rest.
2. Overcome Distractions – This is a daily task for me because life is distracting. Whether I’m focused on current events, chores, past mistakes, or becoming stressed by what isn’t happening soon enough, my mind is in a constant state of distraction. Our minds cannot focus the way they should when our thoughts aren’t clear. It’s important to give our minds the time to think and the space to let go. I encourage you to comment below as to what you do to focus. For me, I like to take walks, do yoga, and meditate. We’re all figuring this out together, and with God, we’ll get there.
3. Move Past Fear – Worrying about what could go wrong, what other people think, and the associated risks are all causes of fear. This emotion can paralyze our growth and even destroy our dreams. If our destination is rooted in God, then we have to pray for the courage to keep moving forward. Even when life calls us to create a Plan B, we should never stop giving our best to Plan A. God is amazing in that He will always acknowledge our efforts, if we give Him the chance to walk with us on our journeys.  When we hold onto His grace and His compassion, we’ll see His light guiding us, even in the worst storms.

Everyday won’t be perfect.

And that’s okay. Here are three more ways to help you maintain your emotional well-being.

1. Appreciate the Present – In Philippians 4:11-12, Paul states: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:  I know how to be abased, and I know how to bound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” We have to learn to live with the duality of appreciating the present while working towards the future. If not, we’ll keep waiting for “that day” to arrive and missing out on the joy that’s right in front of us. 
2. Seek Help When Needed –Whether that’s from a friend, a therapist, or God, it’s okay to ask for help. Find what works best for you to help you achieve your goals in a healthy manner. If you feel overwhelmed, take a break. Find the small things that give you joy. Commit to daily devotion so that you’re always taking time to release your emotions and preparing yourself to receive guidance.
3. Accept Change – There are so many reasons our visions might change. Unforeseen circumstances, finding out new information, or personal growth are all reasons for change. When presented with a shift in our lives, we have to decide if the new inputs are worth a vision change. If they are, proceed. If not, hold fast. Ground yourself in the strength of God and keep pushing forward. 

In your personal journey, above all else, be kind to yourself. God covers us in ways we couldn’t imagine and provides a peace that can never be explained. I know right now life may be chaotic and unpredictable.  Maybe you’ve gotten off track. It might be time to pivot or stand firm. Either way, keep your eyes on God and know that God is always keeping His eyes on you.