“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight, but no vision.” ~ Helen Keller

I told someone at the beginning of the new year that it was the first time since I was 18 years old that I didn’t have a clear vision, a set goal, or a plan of execution to achieve any specific goals. I built a very successful business over 39 years teaching people how to take their Vision, and break it down into daily, weekly, monthly goals. Then, I showed them how to strategically design their days, weeks, and months in order to achieve them. So. . .WHY and HOW could I feel so free, excited, and committed this year when I personally don’t have any clear vision of where I’m going?

One thing I wasn’t prepared for, and no one had ever told me to expect in the grief process of losing my husband, was how many of my dreams would die when he did. Not only was I grieving the loss of my husband’s physical presence, but also the passion of all of the dreams, and plans I (we) had envisioned for our life together. For the first time since I could remember, I found myself without any vision in my heart. Why?, because he was a part of every vision, and he was my “Why”. Without a “Why” (the reason, or Internal Drive – which I believe ALWAYS has to do with a Who rather than a what , but that’s for another day) the “What” (the target you are aiming for, and committed to achieve) can, and will become cloudy. I’ve always believed a vision, and a goal are completely different. Again, marinate on that thought, because we will discuss the differences between a goal and a vision, and why people get them confused in another lesson as we travel this road together. For now, let’s talk about what is a Vision, where does it come from, and what do you do with it.

I believe a vision is God-given, because God said in Jeremiah 1:6 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Meaning, God intentionally designed YOU with a Kingdom purpose in mind! The vision that continually tugs at your heart, that you feel compelled to pursue even when it doesn’t make any sense is because it is part of your DNA! If it’s a part of your DNA, then you will never feel completely fulfilled if that vision is not part of your daily being. God created you with certain talents, abilities, passions, bents, personality traits, etc., because He knew everything about you before you were even born. He knew who your parents would be, meaning He knew based on their DNA all of your physical, and mental characteristics. He knew whether you would be tall or short, blue or brown eyed, thick hair or thin hair, perfect vision or needing glasses, quick witted or serious in nature, well planned or fly by the seat of your pants, just to name a few. He also knew where you would choose to live, and what would be going on in the world around you when He created you. Therefore; He specifically had in mind when He designed you what the world would need, and what you would be perfect doing to point people to Him!

This all sounds more simple than it is, and honestly maybe it is much more simple than we make it out to be. I remember the first time I saw someone use a peeler to peel a potato. I was dumbfounded! I had only ever seen my mom, and my grandmother use a peeler for carrots. Everything else that needed to be peeled you were to use a paring knife. Now, a utensil I used only once in awhile when I needed peeled carrots, I enjoy using for apples, potatoes, pears, basically anything that needs peeling! I know you’re probably thinking what in the world a peeler has to do with a God given vision (hang in there I’m about to land this plane) What if the vision you have been chasing, plotting, planning, setting goals to achieve, and striving for is ONLY PART OF THE PURPOSE, AND VISION GOD HAS FOR YOU? What if like the peeler, you only know a small part of what He designed you for, but there’s so much more you haven’t discovered yet? What if you have gotten the “Process of becoming” mixed up with the “Purpose for your being”? What if your vision as to “how” God wants to use you has been limited, because you have only watched, and listened to the people who “you know, and you think know you best”. Sometimes, God has to wait for you to explore, and come to the end of what you think is the vision or purpose for your life, to finally open your mind’s eye to reveal to you all the other things He has in mind when He created you. And . . . what if like a peeler, once you see yourself being used in other ways your imagination opens to many other opportunities you would have never considered before, to glorify God, and love people?

Choices bring freedom. Jesus said, “know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free”. Why would God, who is the Creator of the Universe, and everything in it be limited to using you in only one way? The way others have told you, that you need to be used. God is not limited by your insecurities, or lack of vision. God is not limited by your geographical location, or disgusted by your past mistakes. God is not worried about your lack of confidence, and He doesn’t “need” you He “wants” you. After all, God is the one who designed you! Ephesians 2:10 tells us “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” He created you with so much more in mind than you have even considered yet! I believe our purpose is singular, which is to glorify God, and Love people, but the unique vision, and design God had in mind for us to fulfill that purpose is more incredible than we can even think or imagine! So, when you’re feeling stuck, used up, at the end of “your” vision – – pray for God to open your mind’s eye to His Vision when He created you! When you begin to seek the Truth of His Vision, (by asking yourself the tough questions of why you believe the way you do) it will set you Free to explore ALL of the complexities He intentionally created you with to love Him, and show love to His people.

My Friend take it from me. Even if the world as you know it has come to an end through the death of a loved one, a divorce, a loss of a career, or some life changing catastrophe, etc. and the vision you had planned died with it, God’s unique vision for you is still crystal clear! Nothing takes God by surprise, and though He didn’t cause this tragedy to happen to you, He knew it would happen when He was creating you. Therefore, Nothing is wasted in God’s economy. He can, and will use everything you’ve been through (even “this” that you didn’t ask for, or want) for your good, and His glory!

Don’t rush to manufacture a vision for your life just so you can “see”your next step, because He is challenging you to be still, and “know” that He is writing a Masterpiece in your life! “This” is not the end of your dream or purpose, but it may just be the beginning of a new chapter of your dream, and a new way for you to be used.

Heavenly Father, forgive me when I think I need to have my life “together” in order for You to use me! When I think my world is falling apart, it is really just falling into place, which is in Your hands. Use all of me Lord: the scars, the scabs, the secrets, the mess. It is only in Your hands that my mess can become Your message.