June 21

“…your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” —ACTS 2:17

Unless we are in our golden years, every Christian should be seeking visions from heaven. Visions from heaven are not something that stem from our own plans or wishful thinking, but are received with their origin in God. We cannot make the mistake of thinking God gives visions specifically to those in Christian ministry. Most of the leading characters in the Bible were everyday people with everyday jobs, but whose lives were directed in service to God. 

So what exactly is a vision from heaven and how do we come by it? Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” That does not mean God will give you whatever you want, but it is within the context of “delighting ourselves in the Lord” that the desires of our hearts will be God-given. What we want will be what God wants, and a vision is a glimpse into the future God places in our hearts.  

There are three basic features in a vision from heaven. The first is that it will be something that energizes us. Paul writes, “I labour, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me” (Colossians 1:29). Paul faced many battles and obstacles, but it was with Christ’s divine energy that he was empowered and motivated. Visions from God do not evoke a feeling of, “I’ve gotta do this”, but rather, “I’d love to do this!” They draw you, not drive you. 

Secondly, God-given visions will be external to us in that they have an outward focus, which works to the benefit and blessing of others. In Matthew 16:25, Jesus said about discipleship, “Whoever wants to save his life – that is self-oriented – will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” God’s agenda for us is that we put others before ourselves, and become the means by which His love and compassion are expressed to those around us and the world at large.

Thirdly, visions from heaven will be eternal in significance. Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19) Treasures on earth are temporary, but in heaven are everlasting. In whatever sphere God has placed us, we need to live with the eternal in mind. And that makes it exciting, because when we leave this earth our real treasures are just beginning!

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, as undeserving as I feel to be gifted by a vision from You, I ask that I may receive that blessing to further inspire and encourage me in serving your agenda. Thank You, Lord.  

TO REFLECT UPON: Am I praying for a vision from God?