Definition:
Vision is seeing what God sees
Theme Scripture:
"Where there is no vision, the people perish..." - Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)
Another Translation
“Where there is no revelation from God, people cast off restraint."
What does this scripture mean?
Meaning
Without divine guidance or God's revealed word, people lose moral direction and act without restraint.
Vision (Hebrew - hazon): This word does not mean a corporate business plan or personal goal-setting. It refers to a prophetic revelation or divine message given directly by God.
Perish (Hebrew - para): is to "cast off restraint" or "run wild" rather than physical death. It describes a state of moral decay when people lack spiritual boundaries
How can we see what God sees?
Three key aspects:
A: Vision comes from God. God reveals His plans and purposes to His people. It is not about our own goals, dreams and ambitions.
B: Vision gives direction. It helps us know where God is leading and keeps us from living aimlessly. It helps us see His purpose and align our lives with His will.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.”
C: Vision requires faith and obedience. Often God shows the destination before revealing every step. The vision can also be something beyond your resources or strength
D: Vision gives purpose and perseverance.
When you know what God has called you to do, you can remain faithful even during delays or difficulties.
E: Vision must be lived out, not just received.
Habakkuk says to write the vision and wait for its appointed time. Vision requires action, patience, and consistency. There is a time of preparation and a time of testing
Biblical examples:
Nehemiah: God gave him a vision to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls despite opposition. His story shows that vision requires perseverance.
Abraham: He followed God without knowing the full journey and trusted Him even when asked to sacrifice Isaac. His story shows that vision requires faith and obedience.
Joseph: God gave him dreams of his future, but their fulfilment came through years of preparation, hardship and waiting. His story shows that vision requires patience and faithfulness.
Noah: God instructed him to build an ark before there was any visible evidence of the coming flood. His obedience shows that vision requires acting on God’s word before we see the outcome.
David: God anointed David to be king while he was still a shepherd, but he had to wait years before the promise was fulfilled. His story shows that vision requires trusting God’s timing.
Gideon: God called Gideon a “mighty man of valour” when Gideon saw himself as weak and insignificant. His story shows that God’s vision can be greater than how we see ourselves.
Practical application
Ask:
1. What is God showing me or asking of me?
2. Am I aligned with God's vision or my own desires?
3. What step of obedience is God asking me to take today?
Seek God's vision before making your own plans.
Prayer and God's Word should shape your direction before your preferences do.
“The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the Lord, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path].” - Psalm 37:23
“There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel [purpose for him] that will stand [Be carried out].” - Proverbs 19:21
Takeaway:
Vision is about seeing what God sees. It requires that you align with God’s purpose for your life, not your own plans.
See God clearly enough to follow Him faithfully and endure the process that it will take to fulfil His vision in your life.
Psalm 37:23
“The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the Lord, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path].”
Proverbs 19:21
“There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel [purpose for him] that will stand [Be carried out].”
