Vision: The faculty of sight; something that is or has been seen; unusual competence in discernment or perception; intelligent foresight; the manner in which one sees or conceives of something; a mental image produced by the imagination; to envision.
“Where there is no clear vision we wander, but happy is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.” — Proverbs 29:18
Vision. What a life-giving and transformative word. It has helped me keep hope alive, prepare and focus for what really matters, develop in character and gifting, be stretched when I thought I could not be stretched any further, and dream seemingly impossible dreams with God.
Cultivating vision is vital for living the life that we have been created for. It is like our personal GPS to reach a desired destination, that when stewarded with intentionality causes us to live a rich and fulfilling life.
Vision can clarify where we are going, what and who to align with, set practical goals to help in our journey, and better discern choices to reach the finish line. I often say starting something is important, but finishing is the most important.
You were created to do amazing things to make the world a better place. There is a special plan for your life that only you can fulfill. You have a unique personality, special gifts and skills.
You are wired to dream and see dreams come to pass through partnering with God to bring positive change. The things we are the most passionate about weaved into our life stories are indicators of our designated purpose.
“We are His workmanship, created in Christ for good works, which God prepared beforehand.” — Eph. 2:10
A marking moment that relates to establishing vision for my life happened one Sunday morning after a church service nearly 22 years ago.
After going through an extended season of hurt, disappointment, and loss where my perspective about life had caused me to lay the hope of dreams aside, a woman approached me with loving words, encouragement, and kindness. She looked into my eyes with love, gentleness, compassion, and bold confidence and said, “LeAnne, God has been waiting on you for a long time and He has great plans for you.”
She then handed me a gift bag of biblical resources for personal study. After she walked away, I could not stop staring at the beautiful gift in my hands. Something was awakened in me that day to begin dreaming again that led me to pursue God’s vision for my life.
One woman’s life-giving words, encouragement, and kindness awakened the beginning of vision for my life. This is why it is important to look for opportunities to be an encouragement and blessing to others.
There are so many people that need to know they have a divine destiny to be discovered and fulfilled. Vision is ultimately meant for the welfare of others and to also help others cultivate vision for their own life.
“I know all about the marvelous destiny I have in store for you, a future planned out in detail. My intention is not to harm you but to surround you with peace and prosperity and to give you a beautiful future, glistening with hope.” — Jeremiah 29:11
One of the most important ways to fulfill our purpose is to cultivate a life of vision and live a life of intentionality. Having dreams and vision helps us stay alive to purpose.
“Cultivate” can be defined as to prepare, to foster growth, to improve by labor, care or study; to advance, encourage, nourish; to come to have gradually; to acquire, develop, form and embrace. Vision is progressive as we stay in step with goals throughout life seasons. Small steps of obedience lead to great desired outcomes.
Maintaining vision with focused determination helps us gain momentum in the things that we have been designed to do.
Since learning about the power of vision in 2010, there have been a few times when I have felt stuck and uncertain with life direction. Refocusing, revising, and renewing vision helped reposition me mentally and emotionally to move forward with purpose once again. If there is something you have tried that did not work at that time, consider trying again or trying a different strategy. The main thing is to keep going.
I remember hearing a best-selling author say she submitted 17 book proposals to different companies without success. Though tempted to give up, she kept going and finally found her open door with the right publishing company, which catapulted her into what she had been created to do.
She is the founder of one of the leading movements in the church for helping women find their unique voice and purpose through writing and speaking. This is the power of vision and determination.
For the past 12 years, I have prayed for a vision word that would define the year ahead, to give direction, hope, focus, and growth for increased fruitfulness and progress with my life passions.
I know that 2025 will be a time of writing and after prayer it was clear that my word for 2025 is produce.
I am in the process of goal setting to produce writings and teachings for my current life assignments and developing a vision board with practical goals. Keeping a visual before me helps me stay focused and encouraged. Perhaps this may help you also.
Vision helps us thrive.
Having vision nurtures mental and emotional health, increases stability, and is the foundation for blessing others. Vision is fueled by a positive mindset, a lifestyle of gratitude, resolute focus, intentionality, consistency, and persistence to see things come to pass.
As we believe that all things are possible with God, cultivating vision can take us into great victories as we move in step with the time we have been given.
Vision will help us stay the desired course.
Action Steps:
•Identify your vision word for 2025.
•Develop a vision board with reasonable goals for the next 3, 6, 9, 12 months. Your overall vision may be revised in different life seasons.
•Engage in creativity and enjoy the adventure of visioning this year.
•Dream without limits and celebrate short-term goals accomplished as the year unfolds.
•“Write the vision and make it plain, that he may run who reads it.” — Habakkuk 2:2
Dr. LeAnne Suarez is an ordained minister, a licensed professional counselor with a master of arts in professional counseling and theological studies, and a doctor of ministry and worship studies.