I’ve been thinking about the vision God gave me for Innovations Ministries years ago. The vision has transformed into something greater than I could have ever imagined when God first gave it to me. So how do you know your vision is God-given? There are some telltale signs your vision is from God.

First, vision is specific, and it’s meant to benefit others. If your vision is all about you, it’s not an authentic God-given vision. Vision is designed to continue long after you. Next, the magnitude of the vision is always greater than anything you can accomplish on your own. God sends people into your orbit to assist you. Vision is like having a baby. Others will help you take care of the baby. But no one will have the same passion for it like you do. Last but certainly not least, just as God sends you help, the enemy assigns vision killers to discourage you. Don’t be discouraged when some of the people you think should support you don’t. Vision killers are a necessary part of the equation. While Joseph’s brothers tried to kill his vision, they served as confirmation the vision was from God (Genesis 37:19-20).

Vision takes precedence over your desires and will. As the visionary, you set the tone and the pace. No one should work harder than you. Patience is essential. If the vision is cloudy, wait for God to clear it up. You have God’s promise in Habakkuk 2:3 that it will come to pass. Whatever you do, don’t get ahead of God.

Here’s a few tips I believe will help as you walk out the process of your vision. Write your vision down (Habakkuk 2:2). This allows others to see and grasp hold of the vision. Be sure to get yourself a nice vision notebook. After all, it’s your God-given vision you’re recording. As God reveals bits and pieces of the vision, be sure to jot them down in your notebook. Over time the individual pieces of revelation you record in your vision book will take shape as they begin to paint a picture of the fullness of the vision. From time-to-time read what you’ve written. I’ve found doing this is a great source of encouragement and motivation. Make a conscious effort to surround yourself with strategic thinkers. Associate with people who know more than you do.

So how do you bring the vision into focus in light of your present reality? It requires consecration, prayer, sacrifice and commitment to the work of the vision. Never compromise to achieve your goals. Let God open doors for you. God will make room for your gift and your vision.

Until next time…Be blessed!

Rev. Cynthia Jackson
Rhema Inspirations 

THE VISION

God is birthing vision out of me.

It’s becoming evident for all to see.

Why would God give me something of such magnitude?

Especially when my response hasn’t been one of gratitude.

Right now I’m caught in a limited sight distance.

I’ve got to give up my will and stop the resistance.

Open my eyes dear Lord, help me to see,

This vision you’ve sown inside of me.

It started off as a tiny spark.

But it was just big enough to dispel the dark.

God’s word is the lamp that lights my way.

I pray for wisdom, strength and guidance each day.

God gave me a glimpse of the vision some time ago.

With the passing of each day, it continues to grow.

And so the vision becomes increasingly clearer,

As God draws me closer, ever so nearer.

One day the vision will finally come to pass.

And a great many people will proclaim, thank God I’m free at last!

Cynthia R. Jackson (November 2, 2001)

About Rev. Cynthia Jackson

Rev. Cynthia Jackson is the administrator of the Rhema4U Blog and Innovations Ministries Director. Rev. Jackson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was licensed and ordained under the tutelage of Bishop David G. Evans. She is an associate minister at Bethany Baptist Church located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson founded Innovations Ministries in 2001. Innovations Ministries provides dynamic and innovative programs and services for individuals and families dealing with various health-related issues. She is a gifted teacher, preacher, conference speaker and writer. God has anointed Rev. Jackson to be a spiritual midwife with a passion to empower others to birth God's vision for their lives. Rev. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Cairn University.