“Vision is the art of seeing things invisible,” wrote Jonathan Swift. He was right on several counts.
It is an art, for one thing; there are no formulas or systems or programs for developing a vision. It’s a matter of drawing close to God and opening your heart to his, learning to see and receive whatever he gives. It involves a certain creativity of spirit and sensitivity to his voice, and there are fewer boundaries than you might think. Vision often requires the expansive heart of a poet.
But Swift was also right that a visionary sees what’s invisible. “We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). That’s an uncomfortable lifestyle for many, but it’s the only way to connect with God and live more deeply than the rest of the world.“We live by faith, not by sight” (5:7). We grow deep roots in an everlasting realm.
You are called to live according to a vision—not one of your own making, but one given by God. It’s may be invisible to all others and will toughen your skin and stretch your faith. You’ll need assurance from God that you’re seeing well, and then you’ll have to resist all criticism, contempt, attacks, and misunderstandings. But when you’re anchored in truth, you can.
Be strong in the vision God has given you. What is unseen will eventually be revealed, and your eyes of faith will be confirmed.
