Run With The Vision

By Pastor J.D. Link

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Habakkuk 2:2 says, “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” To expound on this verse in Hebrew, it says, “..inscribe the mental sight, dream, revelation, etc. and engrave it upon tablets (carve it in stone); that he may run who proclaims it, cries it out, reads it aloud, speaks it.” From this verse, I would like to point out three things about vision (and the goals that accomplish it): 1. Write the vision. 2. Speak the vision. 3. Run with the vision. Let’s get into God’s Word.

For many people, life is like a runaway train - and they’re just along for the ride. In other words, life lives them, instead of them living life. Can you relate? For me personally, it wasn’t until I gave my life to Jesus twelve years ago that I began to live with purpose. Before then, I just existed. I had no goals or aims, I just “paid the rent” so to speak. After I met Jesus, I got purpose. I got a vision for life. I knew I had a God-given destiny to fulfill. Did you know you have destiny as well? Did you know that you could live with purpose? Let’s look at some steps to take.

One big mistake we make in life, is that we don’t write down our vision, nor the goals it takes to get there. The first thing we must do is write the vision, or carve it in stone. Dt 11:18-21 are “key to success” verses. God knew how important it was for His people to constantly keep His Word in front of them. So, we need to constantly keep our vision and goals in front of us. We need to write them down, and then post them where we can see them all the time. Of course, we must first write the vision on our hearts (Prov 3:1-3, 7:1-3). Our hearts must desire the thing to be accomplished. Then, when it is written on our hearts, we can then write it on paper and tape it up where we can see it everyday.

Next, we must speak the vision and goals. Death and life are in the power of our tongue. Words are a creative force, which can be used for us or against us. Do you say what you have, or what you want? Do you speak the vision, or the circumstances? Do you command your mountains to move, or gripe and give up because they are in your way? God calls things that are not, as though they are. We need to be in agreement with what God wants to do in our life. Who cares what anybody else thinks? You just obey God. What He thinks is what really matters.

Their will always be nay Sayers saying, “Nay, nay, nay”. What do they do? Nothing, except tell you what you can’t do. Forget about them. Do it anyway. Don’t get into agreement with the devil’s lies. Speak your vision. Speak success and victory. If you stumble or get derailed for a time, don’t quit altogether. Get back on track and keep going.

Finally, we need to run with the vision. Writing it down and speaking it regularly is very important, but if you never actually DO it - well, your not going to succeed. Run your race. Be self disciplined. Rearrange your schedule. Purpose to do whatever you have to do accomplish your goals. Perhaps it’s getting in shape, losing weight, reading through the Bible in a year, learning to play an instrument, learning a new hobby or foreign language, breaking bad habits, getting out of debt, or climbing a mountain. Maybe it’s opening your own business, or spending more time with your kids and loved ones. Whatever it is, you must discipline yourself. Life is not a dress rehearsal. This is your shot. This is your chance. Don’t make excuses. All of us can make excuses, and then not do anything. That’s the easy road, and most people take it. Dare to be different.

I encourage you to live 2011 with purpose. Don’t let another year go by with no goals set forth to accomplish. With hard work and discipline, you could have a lot of things accomplished by this time next year. Or, you could be right where you are now - wishin’, hopin’, maybe one of these days…. Don’t take your potential to the grave yard. That’s where most people’s potential ends up. Sit down this week and put your goals on paper. It doesn’t matter how big or small. Just work to accomplish something meaningful. Don’t waste your God-given gift of life. I pray this has encouraged and challenged you, and until next time, rejoice in the Lord!