Divine Guidance in Vision and Goal Setting

 

Summary

The discourse begins by drawing a parallel between the modern practice of setting resolutions in January and the ancient Hebrew tradition of using the month of Beth for vision and planning, highlighting that the concept of planning for the future is deeply rooted in history. The focus then shifts to the concept of SWOT analysis, a tool commonly used for assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. However, it is suggested that a more effective approach might be SOAR, which stands for strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results, as it emphasizes positive outcomes and aspirations over potential negatives.

Central to the message is the idea that trust in the divine is essential when forming plans and visions for the future. This is supported by scriptural references, such as the story of Abraham in Genesis, which illustrates the importance of seeking divine guidance for one's vision. The narrative of Habakkuk is also cited, emphasizing the need to write down one's vision clearly and to wait patiently for it to come to fruition.

The discussion then turns to practical applications of these principles, encouraging individuals to set goals and make plans across various aspects of life, including spiritual, ministry, family, health, career, business, and finance. The importance of writing down these goals is stressed, as it not only serves as a reminder but also as a means of accountability.

The concept of strengths and weaknesses is explored in depth, with the assertion that true strength comes from a connection to the divine, as exemplified by scriptures that speak of drawing strength from God rather than relying on one's own abilities. The idea that self-sufficiency is found in divine sufficiency is highlighted, suggesting that individuals are most capable when they are infused with spiritual strength.

The conversation also touches on the importance of vision and the need to ask for divine assistance in peeling away the layers that cloud one's sight, drawing an analogy to medical procedures that restore physical vision. The practical session involves distributing papers for individuals to write down their goals and visions, with the hope that divine wisdom will guide them in identifying areas for improvement.

The message also addresses the need to recognize and work on one's weaknesses, suggesting that while it is important to acknowledge and utilize one's strengths, it is equally important to be aware of and address weaknesses. The idea is to not glorify weaknesses but to surrender them to the divine for transformation.

In conclusion, the discourse calls for individuals to focus on their strengths, understand their weaknesses, and trust in the divine to guide and strengthen them. The final prayer emphasizes the hope that individuals will be able to look back at the end of the year and see that they have accomplished their written visions with divine help and the support of others.

Key Takeaways:

- The practice of planning and setting visions for the future is not only a modern-day activity but also has roots in ancient traditions, as seen in the Hebrew calendar. This historical perspective can provide a deeper appreciation for the process of vision casting and goal setting. [14:29]

- Writing down one's vision is a powerful act that can lead to greater clarity and accountability. It is a principle that is both biblically endorsed and practically effective, as it allows individuals to track their progress and remain focused on their goals. [19:14]

- True strength is not found within oneself but through a connection with the divine. This perspective shifts the focus from personal sufficiency to finding sufficiency in the divine, which can be a source of empowerment and confidence in various aspects of life. [41:40]

- Recognizing and addressing weaknesses is as important as identifying and building upon strengths. This balanced approach ensures that individuals do not become complacent with their abilities and are always striving for growth and improvement. [44:45]

- The concept of SOAR (strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results) over SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) emphasizes a positive and aspirational approach to planning and goal setting. This mindset can lead to a more optimistic and results-oriented strategy for personal and communal development. [01:00:36]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 13:14-15 (NIV)
> "The Lord said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, 'Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever.'"

2. Habakkuk 2:2-3 (NIV)
> "Then the Lord replied: 'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.'"

3. Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
> "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

#### Observation Questions
1. What did God instruct Abram to do in Genesis 13:14-15, and what promise did He make to him?
2. According to Habakkuk 2:2-3, what are we encouraged to do with our vision, and what should our attitude be while waiting for it to come to fruition?
3. How does Philippians 4:13 describe the source of our strength and capability? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on divine sufficiency? [41:22]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to seek divine guidance when forming our visions and plans, as illustrated by the story of Abram in Genesis 13:14-15? [15:36]
2. How does writing down our vision, as suggested in Habakkuk 2:2-3, contribute to clarity and accountability in our goal-setting process? [17:21]
3. In what ways does the concept of SOAR (strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results) provide a more positive and aspirational approach to planning compared to SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats)? [14:36]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you made plans without seeking divine guidance. How did the outcome compare to times when you sought God’s direction first? How can you ensure you seek God’s guidance in your future planning? [16:24]
2. What are some practical steps you can take to write down your vision and goals for the year? How can you make this a habit to ensure accountability and clarity? [18:58]
3. Identify one area of your life (spiritual, ministry, family, health, career, business, or finance) where you need to set a clear vision. What specific goals can you write down for this area, and how will you track your progress? [22:05]
4. Think about a weakness you have identified in yourself. How can you surrender this weakness to God and seek His strength to transform it? What practical steps can you take to address this weakness? [45:09]
5. How can you incorporate the concept of SOAR into your personal and professional life? What are some strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results you can focus on to create a more positive and effective plan for your future? [14:36]
6. Consider the analogy of medical procedures that restore physical vision. What are some "scales" or obstacles that cloud your spiritual vision, and how can you ask God to help you remove them? [20:28]
7. How can you involve others in your goal-setting process to ensure you have a support system and accountability? Who can you share your written vision with to help you stay on track? [19:33]

Devotional

Day 1: Vision Rooted in Tradition
Planning for the future is a practice enriched by historical and spiritual traditions, connecting us to a lineage of purposeful living. As we set our sights on the year ahead, we embrace a legacy that values vision and preparation. This approach to planning is not a new concept but one that has been observed and honored throughout history, providing us with a deeper sense of meaning and direction. [14:29]

Proverbs 16:3 - "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the wisdom of past traditions into your current practice of setting goals and planning for the future?

Day 2: The Power of a Written Vision
Writing down one's vision is a transformative act that brings clarity and commitment to one's goals. It serves as a tangible reminder of our aspirations and a roadmap for our journey. By documenting our plans, we create a covenant with ourselves and a testimony of our faith in action, aligning our intentions with a higher purpose. [19:14]

Habakkuk 2:2 - "Then the Lord replied: 'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.'"
Reflection: What vision or goal do you feel compelled to write down today, and how can you ensure that it aligns with your spiritual values?

Day 3: Divine Strength in Human Weakness
Our truest strength emerges not from our own capabilities but from our divine connection. When we acknowledge that our sufficiency comes from a higher power, we open ourselves to a wellspring of spiritual fortitude. This reliance on the divine transforms our understanding of strength, shifting our dependence from the self to the sacred. [41:40]

Isaiah 40:29-31 - "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to seek divine strength, and how can you practice relying on God's power instead of your own?

Day 4: Embracing Weaknesses as Opportunities
Acknowledging and addressing our weaknesses is a vital step towards personal growth and spiritual maturity. By recognizing our limitations, we invite the opportunity for transformation and renewal. This process of self-awareness and improvement does not glorify our shortcomings but rather submits them to the divine for redemption and strength. [44:45]

2 Corinthians 12:10 - "That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: What is one weakness you can identify today, and how can you offer it to God as a space for His work and strength in your life?

Day 5: Aspiring to Positive, Result-Oriented Growth
Adopting a SOAR mindset encourages us to focus on the positive, aiming for aspirations and results that uplift and inspire. This approach to planning and goal setting fosters an optimistic outlook, driving us towards achievements that reflect our highest potential and divine purpose. By concentrating on strengths and opportunities, we chart a course for success that is both spiritually grounded and forward-thinking. [01:00:36]

Philippians 3:13-14 - "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How can you apply the SOAR framework to your personal aspirations, and what positive outcomes do you hope to achieve with divine guidance?

Quotes

1) "In ourselves, we are weak. In ourselves, we are feeble. When we get connected to God, we are able to draw strength through Him." [41:40] (Download)

2) "The self-sufficiency is in Christ's sufficiency. It is through the Spirit of God that is infused in us, that empowers us." [41:40] (Download)

3) "We have to be able to fix our eyes on the vision. We have to be able to see what God wants us to do. We have to be able to ask Him to take off the scales from our eyes." [20:37] (Download)

4) "We have to be able to recognize the weaknesses. Sometimes we try to focus so much on the strengths that we have, that we forget to check for the weaknesses." [44:45] (Download)

5) "It is important for us to be able to not glorify the weaknesses themselves, but give it over to God." [46:05] (Download)

6) "We have to ask God to peel away those layers from our eyes... ask God to help you in those areas." [21:44] (Download)

7) "God, we thank you today for the opportunity to plan. God, we want to be able to make the visions clear." [22:46] (Download)

8) "But you have to ask to put in one that is for you. You have to look for the gifting that God wants for us." [43:13] (Download)

9) "If you look at most of the people who are successful, they write down their vision. They start from here, they have their plan, and they say, This is what we're going to do." [17:52] (Download)

10) "Your passion could be a strength, but your passion could also be a weakness... If you look at the Apostle Paul, Paul was called to the Gentiles. But he was also passionate about the Jews, his own people." [50:01] (Download)

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Transcript
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