(The following is an excerpt from Bob Nichol’s book, “The Secret Power of a Cause.”)
What exactly is a vision? A vision is a compass providing steady guidance along the path that God is leading you. It is a divine point of reference that steadies you, keeps your eyes off of present circumstances, and allows you to see the prize ahead of you. When difficulties arise, the vision reminds you of your future success. The Bible has many things to say about the importance of a vision. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Without a vision, there is no sense of direction. The vision is vitally important to the believer but does not guarantee success. The problem with a vision is that it can be put on the shelf. It is optional. If the glamorous vision becomes too difficult to achieve, it can easily be put aside. A vision is needed, but there is something more.
In Acts chapter 26, Paul is testifying before King Agrippa about his encounter with Jesus. He tells the king about how Jesus changed his life and how he knew he had to accomplish what God wanted him to do. A vision was birthed in his heart on the road to Damascus. In verse 19 of chapter 26, Paul tells the king that he had “not been disobedient to the heavenly vision.” Paul kept the vision before him. He knew his duty was to spread the good news and his vision kept him on track. His vision provided a reference point that encouraged him to continue “pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14). Paul was given a vision on the road to Damascus, but somewhere along the way, there was a shift that took place. He knew his vision would not come to pass unless he went to work. God’s vision to Paul on the road to Damascus became a passionate cause. His vision became a cause.