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Practice Vision – Lesson #7

Practice Vision – Lesson #7

Practice Vision

Chuck Hill, D.Min.

chuckhilltoday.com

Look Up and Look Forward

Great leaders don’t just see what is—they see what could be. Visionary leadership requires both perspective and faith.It is the ability to recognize the opportunities God is preparing, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Jesus said in John 4:35:
“Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!”

Leadership that makes an impact looks beyond present challenges to future possibilities. Visionary leaders don’t allow obstacles or limitations to define their outlook; instead, they recognize the potential, purpose, and promises of God.They see with spiritual eyes, recognizing that God is already at work in ways they may not yet fully understand. Leaders who look up and look forward inspire others to move beyond limitations and into God’s greater purpose.

Andy Stanley once stated, “Vision is a clear mental picture of what could be, fueled by the conviction that it should be.” Leaders who cultivate vision don’t just react to the present; they shape the future by stepping out in faith.

Strength Through Vision

Abraham demonstrated this kind of vision. When God called him, He told him to “Look up at the sky and count the stars” (Genesis 15:5). Though Abraham had no children at the time, God gave him a vision of something far greater than what was presently visible. Faith-filled vision allows leaders to trust in what God is doing, even when they don’t yet see the full picture.

Paul echoed this perspective in Philippians 3:13-14:
“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal.”

Effective leaders don’t dwell on past failures or settle for present success—they keep pressing forward with God’s purpose in mind. They understand that vision is not just about what they desire, but about aligning their perspective with what God has already prepared.

Practical Ways to Cultivate Vision

  1. Seek God’s Perspective – Pray for eyes to see what He is doing beyond what is visible (Jeremiah 33:3).
  2. Look Beyond Obstacles – See challenges as stepping stones rather than roadblocks (Romans 8:28).
  3. Inspire Others with Hope – Help those you lead see God’s bigger plan, even when the way forward isn’t clear (Habakkuk 2:2-3).
  4. Stay Future-Focused – Avoid getting stuck in the past; keep pressing toward what God has ahead (Isaiah 43:19).
  5. Trust God’s Timing – Vision takes patience, but God’s plan will come to pass in His perfect timing (Galatians 6:9).

Conclusion

Visionary leadership requires faith, foresight, and focus. When we lift our eyes beyond the present and look forward with expectation, we align ourselves with God’s purpose and inspire others to do the same. A leader’s ability to see ahead often determines their capacity to lead well.

So today, look up. Look forward. Lead with vision, knowing that God is already at work in what lies ahead.