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Readings: Isaiah 9:1-7 + Isaiah 11:1-9
Has God ever given you a vision for your future?
Husband was in the military before we met. When we were dating, we discussed what a life together might look like.
We knew marriage would mean a shift for me, turning many of my adult life routines and expectations on its head. We often talked about what our lives could look like, both individually and as a couple.
When he asked me who I saw myself being in the coming years, I replied with the usual dreams I had for my life. I wanted children, to travel, and to have a fulfilling career.
Then, at the last minute, I added something.
I told him I wanted to be a casserole lady.
I don’t know where this idea originated (or why this was the name I gave it). But I told Husband I wanted to care for people. I had a vision of providing food, hosting parties, of our family being the stand-in family for single soldiers.
I wanted to have people in our home regularly. I told Husband that I hoped to be a woman of wisdom—someone who had lived a life worth sharing, who pointed people to God in both subtle and overt ways. I wanted to be a vital piece of a community.
Despite my introverted tendencies, I felt a pull toward mothering, providing, caring for this new community I found myself in.
I wanted to be all in.
I had never been very good at hosting as a single person. My apartments were often too small for large gatherings – which was just as well; too many people overwhelmed me. Low paying jobs left me strapped for cash, making providing food for others a challenge.
But still, God planted a seed.
God knows me better than anyone, even better than I know myself. He created me with this desire but only really brought it to the forefront of my mind after meeting my husband. God matched me with someone with a like mind and heart.
God gave me a casserole lady vision.
But it’s only now, years after that conversation, that I’m starting to see that vision coming true.
Isaiah also had a vision. He had insight into a future world, a world where “people walking in darkness have seen a great light” (9:2).
Isaiah knew a child was coming (9:6), but he didn’t know when. He knew the family the child would be born into; Isaiah even had a vision for the child’s character (11:1-9).
Dreams are different than visions. Most of us have dreams – best-case scenario wishes for our lives. Dreams are often an ideal home, spouse, or career.
A vision, however, is more grounded, rooted in wisdom and planning. Visions don’t have to be ideal situations. (I’d even venture to say they’re often not ideal).
God gives us a vision before it’s time to fulfill it. We must know what direction we’re going, even if we don’t see the route that will take us there.
What strikes me most about Isaiah is his willingness. When he first sees and hears the Lord in chapter 6, he doesn’t run away in fear or pass the buck to someone else. Instead, he says, “Here I am. Send me” (6:8).
Isaiah doesn’t ask for answers. He asks only a few questions of God. Instead, Isaiah just responds in faith.
God has given us all dreams, but he also has visions for our lives as well. It’s up to us to be willing to see them, accept them, and be sent.
Journal Prompt: What visions has God given you for your life? In what ways is he moving you toward those visions?
