When someone is said to have 20/20 vision it means that their eyesight is perfect. I’ve often used the term “20/20 vision” to refer to seeing into the future, into the year 2020 and having a vision of what things could look like at that time in order to have something to shoot for. Vision enables us to be proactive rather than reactive, to face life with a purpose rather than facing life in a survival mode.
The older I get the more difficult it becomes to remain “vision” driven. I often worry about the future and struggle with concerns over health or finances or relationships. I have the tendency to let the prospect of failure direct my thoughts, feelings and actions, rather than seeing the future with a purpose and a vision to be fulfilled with God’s help.
In 2 Chronicles Jehoshaphat faced war with a coalition of the nations around him. He was unprepared, outnumbered and underequipped. There was no hope! All he could see was defeat and failure in his future. So he went to God. In 20:12 he prays, “We have no power against this large army that is attacking us. We don’t know what to do, so we look to you for help.”
God answered his prayer by sending him a preacher! Can you believe it! The preacher’s name was Jahaziel. This preacher changes their vision from one of failure and defeat to one of victory and success. In verse 15, He say “Listen to me, King Jehoshaphat and all you people living in Judah and Jerusalem. The Lord says this to you: ‘Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of this large army. The battle is not your battle, it is God’s.”
I love stories where preachers change peoples’ perspective about their future. That’s what I want to do! In 2 Chronicles, Chapter 20, Verse 20, (20:20) Jehoshaphat gives us his 20/20 vision. He says “Listen to me, people of Judah and Jerusalem. Have faith in the Lord your God, and you will stand strong. Have faith in his prophets, and you will succeed.”
It gives me goose bumps!
Chuck
“In the same way, you younger men must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, serve each other in humility, for ‘God opposes the proud but favors the humble.’” 1 Peter 5:5(NLT)