In the hustle and bustle of life, filled with challenges and discouragements, it’s easy for us to lose sight of our dreams and stop allowing ourselves to imagine a future beyond our current circumstances. This is a universal experience addressed on Dream Sunday as delved into the importance of maintaining a sense of vision and imagination, particularly as we grow older and face life’s trials.
As children, we often start with big dreams. However, as we age and encounter obstacles or discouragement, there’s a tendency to become more cynical and stop allowing ourselves to dream. We need to reclaim the spirit of dreaming.
Proverbs 29:18 NIV | Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.
The Significance of Prophetic Vision:
Vision keeps us on track and without a clear direction, we can become aimless and perish. Vision, in various aspects of life including personal, business, and church contexts, serves as a guide, keeping us disciplined and focused on our goals. The lack of vision may lead us to be easily swayed by various ideas, even if not every good idea is suitable for us.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us
Ephesians 3:20 NIV
We need to seek and understand God’s vision for their lives, businesses, and church. This divine vision provides a foundation to withstand challenges and difficulties. Vision is not reliant on individuals but on God’s guidance, and taking the first step in faith is crucial.
The Power of Imagination:
What we imagine we become. Imagination is a powerful tool in shaping one’s reality. Overcoming fear, disappointment, and past failures is encouraged by giving ourselves permission to dream and envision a future beyond current circumstances.
Proverbs 23:7 NIV | for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
God is not only able but willing to exceed expectations and accomplish purposes far beyond what we can imagine or dream. We must embrace a positive vision and avoid inadvertently focusing on what we don’t want to become, as that can shape our reality in unintended ways.
Imagination and Creation:
God provides resources and encourages individuals to imagine possibilities rather than creating changes directly. We must take risks to dream and imagine which is a way of bringing new things into existence.
Understanding the Why – New Season Church Purpose
- Find God
- Discover purpose
- Make and impact
Finding God is as a way of discovering life’s purpose. It is a lifelong process connected to understanding God’s calling for us.
Finding God is a way of discovering one’s identity, eliminating the lifelong struggle of self-discovery.
Making an impact is a supernatural act that involves changing the world around us by leading others to find God, discover their purpose, and make an impact themselves. Being a missionary in one’s immediate surroundings (family, workplace) is a way of making a significant impact. We must influence those around us positively.
Our vision:
The vision is of a community of leaders who know their identity in Christ, are growing in their gifts, and are impacting the world around them. This sermon seems to be focused on the idea of dreaming and building for God without limitations.
Conclusion:
The vision for the church over the next 10 years is a testament to the power of imagination and the importance of maintaining a visionary outlook even in the face of challenges. We encourage you to seek God’s vision for their lives and daring to dream beyond limits, with a renewed sense of purpose and direction. In a world filled with uncertainties, this call to envision a positive future serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that, with God, all things are possible.
