How to discover your vision (1)

“They speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:16 NKJV

You don’t get to decide God’s purpose for your life, you discover it. How? Through prayer. God says, “I know the plans I have for you” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT). Your parents may not have planned your birth, but God did. You may be overwhelmed with problems, but God sees your potential. David’s family didn’t think he would amount to much. But where they saw a shepherd boy, God saw a king. Looking back, David wrote, “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me…I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!” (Psalm 139:16-18 NLT). You’re unique—and so is God’s plan for you. It’s encouraging to read stories and listen to great achievers and think, “If they can do it, so can I!” However, the secret is to learn from others without trying to duplicate them. It’s not enough to have a good idea; it must be the will of God. You don’t get to decide what your vision will be; you discover it by seeking God for direction. And His Word says He will give it to you: “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:21 NKJV). That way you know it’s “from the mouth of the Lord.”

Bible in a year: Genesis 7-9 and Matthew 3