The 3 I’s (eyes!) for a Visionary

Vision closely relates to sight. Yes, a child of God without a vision is supposed to be ‘spiritually blind’. We need to catch the vision from God and work towards it. That is the very purpose of our calling. A man of God once said, “You are called to do something”. The vision that I am referring to is the burden for ministry God places in our hearts once we accept Him. It may be different for each one but there is a vision for each one of us for sure.

In Esther 4:14, Mordecai’s message to Esther was to do what she was supposed to do in her state. He adds that if she is not willing to do it God will use someone; “If you remain silent help and deliverance will arise from another place”. It means that God has kept us in the place where we are to accomplish His visions through us. If we fail He may use someone else but we would lose a great opportunity to serve the Master.

Today, if you are yet to catch the vision or struggling to work it out here is a simple principle that could help you; the 3 I’s or the “Three Eyes” principle.

Initiative – Take the initiative yourself, today! There’s never a tomorrow in doing God’s work. Proverbs 21:31: The horse is prepared for battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord. Did you notice the first part? The “making ready” is our part and victory is His part. We need to take the initiative first for God to make it a success for us. When Ruth clung to her mother-in-law and returned to Bethlehem, which was a foreign country for her, she caught the vision that God has something to accomplish through her. In Ruth 2:2, she herself came forward and said “Let me go to the fields…” It was in the fields she met Boaz and ended up being his wife and later became the great grandmother of Jesus Christ. Unless you make the first move, it is foolishness to wait for God to kick-start your vision.

Innovation – We live in a competitive world. Unless your ways are unique you are never going to make it. Whatever you do, do it in style, in a unique way so that you make it faster and easier than others! The same applies for ministry. When you have a burden, do not try to do it the old-fashion way. Try to add some spice by being innovative. Genesis 30 talks about how Jacob chose an innovative approach to gain all the healthy and strong among the flocks. Innovation is attained through God’s wisdom and if you lack wisdom, God’s promise in James 1:5 says “God will generously give”. All you need to do is ‘Ask’. So the next time you do something, be innovative!

Industrious – Somehow, initiatives and innovations do not make sense unless you put into action and complete it. This is where ‘being industrious’ comes to the picture. Many struggle at this point. They are able to take the initiative and sometimes be innovative too but somewhere down the line lose track because they are not willing to work for it. Proverbs 6:6 shows an example of how ants though being weak insects, work during summer and gather food during harvest. Laziness is satan’s tool to keep you from accomplishing God’s vision. Proverbs 6:10, ‘A little sleep and a little slumber and poverty will come to you as a bandit’. You need to take that extra effort to reach that extra-mile. You need to run the race and complete it to receive the prize. 'Being industrious' is the key!

Lord Jesus, please help me take the initiative, be innovative and work tirelessly until I accomplish Your vision for me. Amen.