Earlier I touched on identity, followed by purpose, which leads us to a clarity of vision.
For true visionaries the imaginary world of their visions is more real to them than the concrete reality around them. In fact, a visionary’s vision is his reality. There is a story about Walt Disney (envisioning Disney World). A worker asked, “Mr. Disney, what are you doing?” “I’m looking at my mountain,” he answered.
Walt died before Space Mountain was built, so he never saw it constructed. During its dedication, the governor, the mayor, and Walt’s widow were present. A young man stood to introduce her, and said, “It’s a pity that Mr. Walt Disney is not here today to see this mountain, but we’re glad his wife is here.” The widow walked to the podium and said, “I must correct this young man. Walt already saw the mountain. It is you who are just now seeing it.”1 One of Magic Kingdom’s earliest thrill rides was Space Mountain. This roller coaster opened at Disney World in 1975 out of a need for added thrills for teen visitors in the newest Disney Park.2
Paul declared to the Corinthian saints, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”3
“When your vision of who God is is obscured by what you are going through, something very small can block out something much bigger.”4
During the time that the king of Syria was warring against Israel, the Syrian army with horses and chariots surrounded the city. And Elisha’s servant was scared. Elisha said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said,
“O, LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.5
In a moment of disbelief Thomas wanted proof, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” Eight days later, Jesus obliged Thomas by appearing before them. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.”6
Previously God had assured Israel, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”7 Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hand; . . .8
Stand firm!
Notes:
1. Dr. Myles Munroe, The Principles and Power of Vision
2. https://allears.net/2020/04/05/why-walt-disney-worlds-oldest-thrill-rides-are-still-some-of-the-best/
3. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
4. Steven Furtick, Even When I Don’t See It…He’s Working https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhA0utn5UVE
5. 2 Kings 6:16-17
6. John 20:24-27
7. Isaiah 43:1
8. Isaiah 49:16
