July 15, 2018

Keeping a Long-Term Perspective: 4 Examples



“And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”—Habakkuk 2:2-3 (KJV)

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“Wait for it!” can be an overused phrase.  It’s still empowering. It sends the message that, whatever nonsense today brings, a better tomorrow is possible. It doesn’t matter if…
  • Results aren’t immediate.
  • Limitations still exist.
  • Delays seem to never end.
  • Loved ones don’t change.

Abraham

Genesis 15 tells the story of how the Lord came to the patriarch in a vision.  God predicted a son and heir for Abraham years before the blessed event. Verse five even solidifies the concept of numerous, blessed descendants:

“And he brought him forth abroad, and said, ‘Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.’” (KJV)

The childless prophet believed the promise. For this reason, God called him “Righteous”. 

Obviously, the prophecy was fulfilled—but not immediately. Centuries were needed to fully build the Jewish nation.

Other Examples of Expanded Vision

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”—Ephesians 3:20 (KJV)

This promise if for us; it’s not just for the ancient inhabitants of city of Ephesus. God has the power to give us more than our limited focus can perceive. Here are three modern cases:

Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.”— Writer Johnathan Swift (1667-1745)

Obstacles: Affected by the Glorious Revolution of England. Style of writing was controversial.
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Where there is no vision, there is no hope.” – Botanist/Inventor/Peanut Entrepreneur George Washington Carver (1860s to 1943)

Obstacle: Born into slavery
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"The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it." –Artist/Sculptor Michelangelo (1475-1574)

Obstacle: Finances were often uncertain due to religious and political upheaval.
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My Conclusion

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)

Every plant starts as a seed, unless it’s a spore-producing one.  We can’t see the seed when it’s buried. Nevertheless, change is happening. We can’t speed up nature Believe me, I’ve tried many times.

No worries. When the time is right, the seed will sprout. Eventually, it will become a full-fledged plant.  We will be able to eat it, or to enjoy looking at it.

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How is Your Long-Term Perspective?

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