As we continue with Nehemiah today, let’s look at what vision can do. Nehemiah not only had a burden, he had a vision. I often say that vision is “seeing something before you see it,” basically knowing what you want and going for it. Without a burden, Nehemiah would have never had a vision. And without a vision, the wall would’ve never been rebuilt.

So how do you know your vision, what you see…what you want, will be successful? 

• It must be a vision that was God-given. Sure, work like it all depends on you; but pray and believe like it all depends on God.
• It must be future-driven, rallying people to a better future.
• It must be leader-led. God will always raise up someone to lead the people and the process to meet a need. It might be you!
• It must be thoroughly researched. Nehemiah went out into the night to investigate the area before any work began. A spiritual calling does not negate the need for hard work and diligence.
• It must be faith initiated. Was there really any logical way that Nehemiah would receive permission, supplies, and protection from the King, much less rebuild a wall in just fifty-two days with a rag-tag group of folks? No way. But he had faith that he was doing what God wanted him to do…and he did it. And God blessed!
• It must be clearly communicated. If you can’t clearly communicate your vision, how are other people supposed to see it and join in with you?
• It must be strategically organized. Things quickly fall apart when chaos reigns.
• You must mobilize people. How? By knowing where you are going, starting with a few, share your vision with those who are in leadership positions, then communicate it to everyone.
• It will be continually criticized. What? A God-given vision constantly under the microscope? Yes, especially a God-given vision constantly under the microscope. There will always be someone who doesn’t like what you are doing, and they will let you know about it. Sometimes very vocally and publicly.
• It must be completely finished. God doesn’t leave things undone. His work, His Kingdom, and His will far outweighs the leader, whether it is you or not. Where God leads, He succeeds.

But you also must remember this: There is no genuine vision for success that ever excludes a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and His will being fulfilled in your life. Check your life, then check your vision.