Grander Vision: Would You Like to Upsize That?

The more I read the Bible and understand God’s plans, the more convinced I become that Christian leaders need a much bigger vision than many currently hold.

Why? Because we have a God whose vision is redemption for the whole world! If His vision includes people from every tribe, tongue and language—so many people that no one can count—how can our vision ever be big enough?

When God called Abram, He changed his name from Abram (exalted father) to Abraham (father of nations). In changing Abraham’s name, God also changed his identity and extended Abraham’s vision: from a local, tribal vision to a global vision.

There is no record of Abraham bucking against this new, bigger vision. Instead of arguing with the Lord, he co-operates and submits to God’s grander vision for his life and purpose.

In contrast, meet Jonah, the leader who did not want to upsize his vision. God asked him to go to Nineveh, a great city, but Jonah ran away, starting a downward journey: down to Joppa, down to the ship, down into the lower decks of the ship, down into the ocean.

If you’re following the GLS blog, you probably already have a commendable vision. But does the size of your vision reflect the God you worship and trust?

• When people hear your vision do they know how big your God is?
• Is your vision upsized to the point that it requires ongoing miracles to continue?
• How does your vision grow and progress? Is it a living, God-sized vision?
• Does your vision keep you awake at night but energized during the day?

If you answered “no” or “maybe” to any of those questions, perhaps it is time to upsize your vision?

If you are ready to upsize your vision, these observations from my own experience will help you keep moving forward:   

When you say YES to upsizing your vision . . .

• Good and well-meaning people will try to talk you out of your vision or reduce the size. Don’t allow them to confuse what God has spoken to you. They have neither seen nor heard what the Lord has told you. Keep running with what you have received.
• Don’t let the unknowns hold you back from upsizing the vision. Did Moses have all the details worked out before he left Egypt? When God speaks to us, our response should be YES, not HOW?
• Be confident in your Provider. If God gave you a vision, He will be responsible to provide for it. He will never hold you responsible for not doing something that He did not make provision for.
• Do what you can with what you have and then you will see the God of miracles appear and do His part. Don’t be afraid to make the first move; God always rewards actions of faith. The Lord who multiplied the five loaves of bread and two fish is still able to multiply what you have into thousands!
• Be the greatest, most passionate champion of your upsized vision. Carry it in your spirit; know this is your purpose; be ready to live or die for it! If you are not willing to die for your vision it is not worth living for. If you are not willing to live for your vision, it is not worth dying for. An upsized vision statement on your office wall will not make people want to sacrifice their time, talent and treasures, but people will follow a champion who has the passion to match the God-sized vision.

God has so much more for us, and He wants us to capture His global vision. Are you like Abraham and willing to upsize your vision? Or are you a Jonah, happy to stay where you are with what you have? Or perhaps you are running away from a greater vision?

My prayer is that you would answer the upsize question with a faith-filled, resounding, “Yes, please!” So that we can see a world that is free from lost-ness, poverty, discrimination injustice and ultimately fulfill the desire our Father in heaven. Will you? If you will, in eternity you will be so glad you did!

To those who may be struggling to see the reality of your vision, let me remind of God’s words in Habakkuk 2:3,

The Vision will still happen at the appointed time. It hurries toward its goal. It won’t be a lie. If it’s delayed, wait for it. It will certainly happen. It won’t be late.