I was walking my little black dog recently and came across the pair of glasses (pic)that someone had clearly lost.

I imagined some guy stumbling home not being able to see where he was going! Seeing those glasses made we realise how easy it is to lose vision…

Lost Vision

I guess it’s easy for us to get into that place and not realise that we’ve lost vision.

We’ve lost sight of where we were heading! We’ve lost sight of why we are doing what we’re doing….

It is so easy to lose our life vision in this crazy busy rat race of a world in which we live.

Churches and businesses have realised this and have set mission statements to keep them and their staff and volunteers on track.

However, in many respects we all need a personal vision statement otherwise we’re like the guy who lost his glasses and suffered from a loss of vision.

Maybe I can help you today to regain some vision for your life…

Starting Point
Knowing Christ – this has to be the first thing we establish.

Paul writes, ‘I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in  his sufferings.’ (Phil. 3:10)

This is the key to a life worth living – knowing Christ – the resurrected Christ, who took our place, died for my sins and yours – in order that we might be forgiven and set free to have a completely new start in life.

This is great news! Do you know Him? Have you asked Him into your life yet?

Taking Hold Of It!
The second key to living a vision filled life is to get His life vision for our individual lives.

You are not a number.

You are significant to God and the fact that you are breathing right now means God has a purpose for your life which is specific to you!

Paul says, ‘But I press on to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me.’ (Phil. 3:12) Clearly Jesus died for more than us simply earning money, raising kids and hopefully, having a holiday once a year!

I found Rick Warren’s book “Purpose Driven Life” really helpful in identifying the five purposes we are born for namely: Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry & Evangelism. Everyone should read it who wishes to grasp what on earth they are here for!

So have you ‘taken hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of you?‘ This has been a foundational verse for my life and ministry!

The questions we need to ask God regularly are:

• What is it, specifically, that you have taken hold of me for?
• What is it that only I can do?
• What areas have you specifically called me to use my specific personality, gifts, abilities, experiences in right now? NB: He uniquely shaped you in your mother’s womb for something!
• What are you asking me to do during this particular season of my life?
• Where should I be focusing right now?
• Is there anything I should cut back on or anything where you would like me to devote more of my time?
• Is there anything that needs to die right now in order that new life can come?
• Is there anything I should be doing to prepare for the next season?

Write A Mission Statement For Yourself (And Your Family)
God encouraged Habakkuk to write it down and make it plain – can I encourage you to do the same.

Spend some time with Father God and ask Him to give you a vision and then right it down:

‘Christ Jesus has taken hold of me/us right now in order that we………’

If you’re a couple/family then why not work on this together?

NB: for some of us who are particularly called to build something or have quite driven personalities – the arrival of children can be quite a challenge!

In our early years of marriage, and prior to heading off to Bible College to train, God said this to me: ‘Simon – relax, don’t try and do much – your wife and children ARE your ministry’ I actually found that quite releasing! Perhaps someone reading this right now needs to hear this too.

What causes us to lose life vision?
I’ve experienced all of the following and you may well be able to add to the following list:

• Busyness and distractions
• Illness or tiredness
• Trying to cover too many bases causes dilution of specific call & vision (keep the main thing the main thing)
• Not being clear about our actual vision
• Difficult and testing seasons of life
• Changes in circumstances
• Doubts
• Fear and anxiety
• Discouragement (see below)

Don’t Be Discouraged!
If God has given you a specific life vision and it hasn’t come to fruition just yet, it’s easy to become discouraged!

Habakkuk reminds us that: ‘vision awaits an appointed time…though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.’ (Hab. 2:3).

Keep going! Keep believing! Keep praying! Keep smiling!

Keep doing what you can do now (serving someone else’s vision, working, preparing etc.) and wait (like David waited patiently for the Kingship to pass from Saul) until God opens the door for all that He has called you to do.

I sometimes say to people ‘just imagine if you gave it all up the day before the breakthrough came – how would you feel?!‘

‘Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.‘ (Thomas Edison)

Do It Well!
Whatever He has called you to do – do it really well!

‘Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for the is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.’ (‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬)

Whether you work, serve, minister, and whatever career or job you have – give it your best as if you were serving God himself (Eph. 6:7).

Don’t Drift!
It is so easy to drift through life without having really achieved very much – don’t allow life to pass you by, because it soon will and you only get one shot at it.

Can I really encourage you today to make your life count! No regrets!

Every blessing!

IMAGINE

If you’ve enjoyed this post you might like to check out my book entitled ‘Imagine’ that is all about trusting God based on the amazing promise in Proverbs 3:5-6. Imagine is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble and other major book sellers worldwide. I absolutely believe that God has a plan for each of our lives and that the key to experiencing it is to begin to trust God more.

One recent Amazon reviewer said, “This is an incredibly powerful book written as if the author is chatting to you about his own life, struggles and experiences during his ongoing walk with God. It is a very real and honest book with bible verses to back up what the author is sharing about. Personally this book is having a big impact on me and my faith in God. I would recommend to anyone to buy this book if you want to deepen your relationship with God at whatever stage you are in your walk. Imagine the impact this book could have on your life….”

Another said:“Imagine is a brilliant read and it is challenging too. Using Proverbs 3:5-6 as the central scripture and Simon Lawton’s personal journey, the important issues of trust and faith are discussed in depth. It’s easy to read, enjoyable and helped me think long and hard about God’s calling for my life and how I can trust Him so much more. Well worth reading, whether you are exploring or are new to the Christian faith, or you have been a Christian for years – there’s something in this book for everyone. Highly recommended. (Dylan Bier)

Another reviewer said ‘A wonderful story of faith and dedication overcoming all obstacles. Full of practical advise and wise instruction. The book invites the reader to ‘dream dreams’ and to live out vision with tenacity and determination. A good hearty read.’ (Pastor Paul Hallam)