The Art Of Vision

The Art of Vision

We don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. 2 Corinthians 4:18

THE MORE TIME YOU SPEND IN GOD’S PRESENCE, the more you will strangely, surprisingly find yourself filled with increasing vision. Sometimes a sense of vision will come up within you and grow through your desire to seek it out. You will have ideas, and you may wonder if they are God’s or yours. But since you are united with him in Christ and in fellowship with him in your spirit, it doesn’t necessarily matter. You are being conformed to his image, and he is imparting his desires and purposes into you. Over time, you begin to see in ways that look a lot like his Kingdom.

Cultivating vision is an art. There are no formulas, systems, or step-by-step programs that will do it for you, though a certain amount of intentionality, discipline, and practice will help. It begins and ends in relationship as you open your heart to God, ask to hear from him and see through his eyes, and learn to discern and receive whatever he gives. You’ll need to let your mind think creatively and sometimes respond to things in your heart that may not make sense at first. After all, the Bible is filled with God-given instructions that defied logic. We are being conformed to the image of a creative God; thinking outside the box is part of the journey. Vision very often requires the heart of a poet or an explorer.

If you feel frustrated in your desire to cultivate vision, remember that it involves seeing what is unseen. Yes, you will be confronted by troubles that are so up front and present that they seem to rule your world. But faith looks beyond those circumstances. No matter how awkward it may feel to do so—at times, you may think it’s just wishful thinking—it’s necessary. It’s the only way to connect with God and see what he is doing through your life, prayers, and faith. Your vision will toughen your skin and stretch your faith; after all, you are anchoring yourself in an unseen realm. You’re gazing at it with eyes of the Spirit until it is finally revealed.

Vision is the art of seeing things invisible.