CASTING VISION…LENGTHEN YOUR TENT PEGS IN 2022!
Many people have little confidence in themselves that they can succeed. They are unsure about their future and what they want to do in life. Many get discouraged and shrink back feeling defeated. Some do nothing and just exist day by day. Many talk of New Year’s resolutions. Why not take the remainder of this week and seek the Lord in your prayer closet to refine and define your assignment for the season of time we are in. Lengthen your tent pegs as the Word says for 2022! Never underestimate yourself as with God nothing is impossible.
“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes. For you shall expand to the right and to the left, and your descendants will inherit the nations, and make the desolate cities inhabited.” (Isaiah 54: 2-3)
A respected Christian leader Mario Murillo stated this: “if you want to be ready for 2022, then heed my warning. We do not need to sit around and listen to all the soothing words coming from the pulpit describing how good things are going to be. We need to make something happen. God wants us to rise up in faith against evil. The last thing we need to do is to go back to a lukewarm fantasy world.“
VISION: Anything which is the object of sight; something imagined to be seen; a revelation from God. As you hear from God it will be his revelation of hope for you; it is a mental picture of how you see your life and want it to look years down the road.
GOALS: The end or final purpose; the end to which a design tends or to which a person wishes to accomplish; it is a target to aim at within our planning period towards God given dreams.
DREAMS: It is a general overview of what you desire to accomplish in your life as you walk out your destiny in life.
You can be what you want to be! Ask God and let him direct you in your life’s purpose. Have you written down what you want to do and be in life!!! God will respond and guide you. He will open doors for you! He desires to order and direct your steps. Casting “VISION” is the key to unlock doors into the future. How do you cast vision?
The 4 Steps to Effective Vision Casting
- Seek the Lord in your quiet time and brainstorm your vision. Have a pen and paper ready and write it down. The prayer closet is key!
“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you [c]openly.” (Matthew 6:6)
- Where is God calling you? What Gateway or Mountain is God calling you to engage?
(WHAT ARE THE PLACES YOU ARE CALLED TO OCCUPY?)
Church; Family/Social Issues; Educational System; Government/Laws; Communications/Media; Arts/Entertainment; and Business/Economy.
- Commit to a Direction. After you determine the life you desire is possible, commit your actions to that direction. It is a faith walk.
- Create Unstoppable Momentum…by surrounding yourself with people of like mind.
IMPORTANT!
There are various types of people that we must be looking for and identifying in vision and destiny fulfillment. People should not be chosen based on loyalty to oneself but instead on loyalty and obedience to the Lord. Realizing this was a real turning point as I was wasting my time on people who were vision inhibitors. There are five categories of people. If you will learn to align yourself with the top two then all the rest of them will fall into place.
1. The Excited Embracers – Approximately 2% of people.
As you share your vision, these people will be noticeable. They get excited as they carry the same vision as you do. Their facial expressions are very positive and there is a glint in there eye. They will begin to seek you out and give many words of encouragement.
2. The Early Embracers – Approximately 18% of people.
There is a sense of excitement in these people also. Heads will nod in approval and their comments will be very favorable. They will ask questions to be sure of what you are saying. A chord has been struck in their heart and all they need is some further encouragement.
3. The Middlers – Approximately 60% of people.
This is where the majority of the population sits. They dwell in the middle and can go either way, based on the influence of others. They will go where the wind blows. In this group lies much potential and they must not be neglected! Godly champions can arise from this group. The ones in the middle are led informally by you while the excited and early embracers will lead them.
4. The Late Embracers – Approximately 18% of people.
These individuals have many seeds of doubt within them and will most certainly discourage you. They ask questions but seldom seem to hear the answer. They raise objections but rarely accept the solutions. They have a “stay in the box” mentality.
5. The Never Embracers – Approximately 2% of people.
These people are vision destroyers. They will never accept or move in any direction that you suggest. They will sit with folded arms and stern faces. These individuals will raise objection after objection and will be a thorn in your side. Nothing you do will please them. As one professor at Michigan State University stated to me one afternoon, “You could pull Noah’s Ark down the middle of this campus, and I still won’t believe”.
NOTE: Don’t give the “late and never embracers” time as they will suck away your spiritual energy. They are the dream robbers.
WRITE DOWN YOUR VISION!!!
Let us reactivate the destiny God has called us to with new hope and expanding vision. No visionary assignment is too small. A personal vision statement articulates the kind of future your life is to model in a specific time frame. You are never too old to recast vision!
“I will stand my watch; And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected., Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, It will not tarry.” (Hab. 2:1-3)
You can be what you want to be! Ask God and let him direct you in your life purpose. Have you written down what you want to do and be in life!!! God will respond and guide you. He will open doors for you!
*HOW DOES A SEED COME TO LIFE?
1. Dry seeds are dormant!
2. Soak it in Water – the protective coating that made it dormant comes off.
3. Importance of Soaking! – Seeds in you must fall to the ground – Be still and rest in
Him – As the seeds in you fall to the ground then they will be watered and you will
hear God speaking. [Take the visual seeds and throw them to ground]
4. Word is living water and increases our faith – Romans 10:17.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:12-13)
“Where there is no revelation [vision], the people cast off restraint [or
perish]; (Proverbs 29:18)
“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who
is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;” (Ephesians 4: 1-4)
“Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11: 22-26)
“So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ (Matthew 25: 20-22)
WHY DO WE NEED VISION?
Jesus said that many have eyes to see but they do not see (Mark 8:18). As we walk through life we must desire to have God-vision and see as He sees. People who are blind or cannot see face many dangers and difficulties. We would appreciate our eyes even more, especially if our sight was taken away. Your vision is your most valuable possession. Vision helps us become what we were created to be.
“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling,” (Ephesians 1:15-18)
Vision allows you to see your purpose and destiny in life. God is positioning us on His global chessboard to be history makers. We are able to bring transformation to the region, state or nation we live in. You are able to go as far as you can see! Faith and vision work hand-in-hand. We serve a BIG GOD! When you arrive at a particular destination and open your eyes you can still see farther. Will you stop or move on? Having faith to move into what you see is the challenge.
FIND THE GOLD!
Godly vision is creative and looks at how things can be. With God-directed vision you will begin to see the good and the treasures in people and the hope He has instilled in you. To get to the gold you must dig up and pan through the dirt. As the gold surfaces the refining fires of God in our lives will do the rest of the work. As you seek Him you will see golden nuggets of revelation for your life. Stake a claim for your future!
Vision unlocks the potential that is in you through Christ Jesus. It enables you to be a living testimony where you can encourage others. As you walk out vision and destiny it will unlock keys for others to fulfill theirs. The seed of vision from God is given to all of us to go and reach the lost as laborers bringing in the harvest.
“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)
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THE THREE STAGES OF VISION CASTING AND FULFILLMENT
STAGE ONE – CONCEPTION OF A VISION
A Baby is Born
A baby must be conceived before it is birthed and is a result of planning and preparation. After conception the baby develops in the womb until the appointed time. The birth of the baby comes through much labor and is a very joyous and rewarding moment. The vision or calling within you is that baby that God wants birthed.
1. Conception
Intimacy is involved with conception. Spiritual intimacy comes through the Lord and seeking Him with your whole heart. You must ask to receive! A life giving word from God enters into the human spirit, becomes “Rhema” and begins to be defined and formed with a focused clarity. Life comes from abiding in the vine (John 15:5) while you rest, soak, tarry and listen to that still small voice (Psalm 37:4-7). Intimacy brings forth a new communication with God as He will speak to you. The result will be fruitfulness where God is calling you to. Write down your vision and any plan God reveals to you to make it a reality.
STAGE TWO – DEVELOPMENT AND PREPARATION OF THE VISION
2. Development and Preparation
This is a time when patience must be at the forefront. God is never early or late, but is always right on time. This waiting time is when we should clean house and allow God to shape and prepare us. God will take us on a journey of experiences, life roles, and situations to make us ready as our vision and destiny is birthed and brought to fulfillment. The journey is more important than the destiny. We are so intent at arriving at our destiny we forget about the value of the journey. Preparation must be made ready before the baby arrives. What are you doing in this waiting time? The baby or the vision can be lost in this stage of development because of impatience and complications in life – which are of a relational nature. A premature baby results from complications just as the release of premature vision can complicate matters. Let God determine the timing and season for a safe and healthy delivery.
Preparation may take many years and even a lifetime depending on how fast we can learn the Lord’s ways. Be not weary in well doing and never give up (Galatians 6:9). Persistence and a faith that works by love (Galatians 5:6) are essential in the process. As the baby is in the womb (place and time of preparation) it is growing and developing for that right time of delivery.
We Need Each Other
During this preparation time share the vision and plan with some people you are endeared to and can trust. Ask these people to strategize with you. Remember that constructive criticism from those you trust in is a good thing. There must be agreement if we are to get people to run with and stay the course with us. Share your plan, review it and plot a course of action. It is not wise to forge ahead alone and bear all the burden of the vision. It is necessary to surround yourself with people who will pray for you specifically for the Lord’s will to be accomplished.
During this developmental stage, you must “count the cost” and determine what will be required – time; money; focus and energy; etc. You must specifically determine how you are going to cast this vision. How many people will it take? Who will it affect? What is the cost in time or money? Are those closest to you in agreement with you? Most importantly, have you heard from the Lord? A time of secluded prayer and fasting should precede any major decision you make. Misdirected enthusiasm can cloud your judgment. You must ask your self hard questions. Are you prepared to accept the consequences of decisions not laid before the Lord? You need the Lord’s support and direction for vision and destiny to be fulfilled.
STAGE THREE – BIRTH AND FULFILLMENT
3. Birth and Fulfillment
The delivery stage is preceded by contractions – pain. God rarely uses epidurals. There may be shakings and quaking in your life. Many times you will travel through a season in the wilderness. This is a testing time! You must follow the Lord; delight in Him; and love your fellow man. The greatest pain in life can come through giving birth to something. God will set the due date as He did with Abraham and Sarah. Faith believes that God will finish what He has begun in you. You must step in for the waters to part.
Point to Ponder: If something is to easy it is not worth doing nor will it accomplish much!
Take the initiative and launch the plan. Set a time table and come back to evaluate various aspects of your vision. Do not allow yourself to be discouraged as God is in control. You need to walk in and touch what you are claiming. Doors and windows of opportunity will begin to open and it will take a step of faith to go through them. Guard against losing focus and becoming distracted. Wherever there is much distraction there is a lack of discipline. Where there is a lack of discipline there is a lack of attention, value and commitment. You will then begin to lose the people around you who you need to fulfill vision and walk into your destiny. Stay focused, be optimistic, and keep people engaged around you. Master the art of hearing the Lord’s strategies when we are silent before Him. It is in these quiet times that God will feed the vision within you for it to continue to grow properly. It is these quiet times that God can change the way you see things.
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BUILDING BLOCKS TO GUIDE YOU IN VISION CASTING
1. Identify your vision or deep desire within. This is done by prayer and listening!
There must be a link with your personal vision and God’s master plan.
2. WRITE IT DOWN!!! You may add or delete anytime as God directs you.
3. Be patient and wait for God’s timing. A baby can’t be rushed out of a womb before
it’s time. When God puts something in your heart He will work behind the scenes for
it to come to pass. Relax and have faith!
4. Do not share your vision prematurely. A vision should be confirmed and defined.
God will open doors so watch for them. Patience before God is always critical.
5. Find a few encouraging friends or advisors that can exhort and be cheerleaders to you.
NOTE: Visions are easy for others to criticize. This is the place that many give up.
STAY THE COURSE! Don’t spend time defending your vision but be
“vision centered”. It is okay to revise your plan as God directs you.
6. Failed plans didn’t mean your vision failed. Be stubborn [persistent] about the
vision and flexible with the plans.
7. Respond to all criticism with prayer and forgiveness. Strive to keep peace and unity!
8. Your moral authority [honesty and integrity] is of utmost importance in carrying out
vision. Moral authority takes a lifetime to earn but can be lost in a moment.
[Amos 5:15]
“Hate evil, love good; Establish justice in the gate.
9. Don’t get distracted! Stay focused and do not tolerate things that can derail vision.
You must give vision constant attention.
10. You must establish a set of values and core beliefs based on God’s Word. Your
vision should be for His glory and produce obedience and worship to Him.
Your GOALS will form your VISION!
A. Spiritual
B. Personal
C. Family
D. Ministry
E. Professional
WRITE DOWN YOUR SPIRITUAL VISIONARY GOALS:
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WRITE DOWN YOUR PERSONAL VISIONARY GOALS:
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WRITE DOWN YOUR FAMILY VISIONARY GOALS:
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WRITE DOWN YOUR MINISTRY VISIONARY GOALS:
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WRITE DOWN YOUR VOCATIONAL/PROFESSIONAL OR BUSINESS VISIONARY GOALS:
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right on, rick! u got me going again, spurred-up to seek and to renew and to accomplish God’s Vision for me, in my old age. thank you for obeying the Holy Spirit!!!