We all have dreams: goals we hope to achieve, things we want to accomplish, even relationships we long to develop or repair.
We may be creators working in words, music, graphics, film or other media. We may be innovators or entrepreneurs, trading in better ideas and great inventions; researchers, analysts, or computer programmers, searching for new solutions to life’s pressing needs and problems. We may be parents or grandparents, teachers or youth workers, shaping attitudes and training the next generation of pioneers; public servants or spiritual leaders — all working together to build a better world.
Wherever we find ourselves, whatever we’re doing, chances are, we’re working toward a goal or dealing with a problem; waiting and hoping for answers and breakthroughs. We may have talent and abilities, intelligence and good looks — and more ideas than we know what to do with. We may have money and connections. Then again, we may possess none of these things!
Regardless, whether we’re well on our way to accomplishing great things, or just getting started, the road to pursuing our dreams can be long and arduous. Along the way we can hit speed-bumps and encounter roadblocks. And often, when “life happens,” we’re forced to take detours or, worse, pull over and park for a time. So it’s easy, and also very tempting — while struggling to achieve our goals, or waiting for a promise that seems to be taking forever — to mutter “Enough!” and give up. To throw in the towel and just walk away.
Talent and ideas always help. However, in the “long haul,” such things are never enough. Life always demands more, and takes more. It’s never enough to chase a dream. We need a plan … and stamina … and still something more. We need the backing, encouragement, comfort, strength, and reassurance that comes from One greater than ourselves.
Here is the first of several important spiritual steps toward reaching your goals and fulfilling your dreams. Consider this the first session of “boot camp for creators and dreamers.” Ready?
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Write the vision [your hopes, dreams, goals, and creative ideas].
Sounds like so much hocus-pocus, and yet God admonishes us to do this — and He would never lead us astray. He commanded one of His prophets to “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come….” (Habakkuk 2:2-3 ESV)
There’s so much truth in these two verses, about being prepared, focused and determined. But for now, let’s simply concentrate on the phrase, “Write the Vision.” Authors Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen state, “Just writing them down [ideas, goals, plans, and dreams] will set into motion an amazing process of bringing these things into your life.”
How? Well, Words have spiritual power, to encourage, to create, or to destroy. In fact, the spoken word holds “the power of life and death.” (Proverbs 18:21) Imagine how much spiritual power resides in the written word. Which is why legal contracts are rarely based on verbal agreements; words on paper are far more influential, carry far greater weight, and are far more binding.
But from an entirely practical standpoint, writing down information and ideas aids the learning process (the mental acquisition of these ideas) — which is why teachers encourage students to take written notes; writing down information and ideas helps us to focus and refine them. Hence, the creators of the Chicken Soup books state, “The more you write about [your dreams] and talk about it, the more clear and believable it will become.”
When it comes to formulating and solidifying your ideas, plans, and goals, writing the vision is extremely important. Innovations and inventions, the seeds of great plots and plans, begin to take shape and grow when properly recorded.
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Write this for a memorial in the book….'” (Exodus 17:14 NKJV)
“My heart is overflowing with a good theme…; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” (Psalm 45:1 NKJV)
“Moreover the Lord said to me, ‘Take a large scroll, and write on it with a man’s pen….'” (Isaiah 8:1 NKJV)
Once you’ve recorded the vision [your hopes and dreams, plans and goals] you’ll be ready for the next spiritual step in the journey … along the path to fulfilling the vision!
Join us Friday for more Boot Camp for Creators & Dreamers.