January 13

DAY NINE: VISION

Devotion: Vision is not just a lofty idea or concept God holds above our head as something unreachable or incomprehensible. The Hebrew word for vision is “chazown.” Chazown is a prophetic vision or revelation of an intended future specifically given from God to you. Vision is the tool that God uses to help us come to an understanding of our life's purpose. When Nehemiah heard about the broken walls of Jerusalem, his heart ached within him. He began praying and fasting, and eventually, he received a chazown, or vision, from God. What follows is a story that has been heralded over thousands of years as a creative, inspirational, leadership movement. The catalyst of this rebuilding project was a God-sized burden in Nehemiah’s heart to see a broken down city built back to its original honor. With the Holy Spirit's help, a willingness from Nehemiah, favor from the king, companionship from workers, and even the criticism of the naysayers, Sanballat and Tobiah, Nehemiah saw the walls of Jerusalem rebuilt.

Reflection: I’m going to end up somewhere, will that somewhere be on purpose?

Prayer: Lord God, I know that You have a purpose for my life. Help me get on the same page as You. Place in me a God-sized burden to paint a picture of my purpose. I don’t want to live life aimlessly; I want to know Your will for my life!