Some time ago, I went to get my hair done, and the Holy Spirit began to teach me a lesson about the power of having a clear vision. I showed the stylist a picture of the hairstyle I wanted and asked if she could replicate it. She assured me she could, so we got started, gathering everything needed to bring the style to life.
Before she began, she asked to see the picture again. At that moment, the Holy Spirit whispered to me, “This is what it means to set a picture before you and keep it in your mind.” She wanted to study the image once more, to visualize the style clearly, map out the rows, and mentally align her process with the desired outcome.
This experience illustrated the importance of having a clear vision and revisiting it often to stay aligned with your goals.
Building a House
When constructing a house, you don’t begin by hiring laborers and digging the ground right away. Laborers are not the first people you engage. Instead, the first step is to consult an architect. The architect surveys the land, assesses its potential, and drafts a design, a clear picture of what the structure could look like. Whether it’s a duplex, a bungalow, or any other design, the architect creates detailed drawings that outline dimensions, layout, and materials. These plans serve as the blueprint, guiding the builders and contractors throughout the process.
In the same way, God is the ultimate Architect of our lives. As the giver of life, He is without the limitations of human architects and knows exactly what we need and when we need it.
Hebrews 3:4 reminds us: “For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.”
God wants us to consult Him to reveal His purpose for our lives, a picture of what He has designed for us. When we allow Him to guide us, we gain a clear vision of His glory and purpose. This vision becomes an anchor, enabling us to remain steadfast no matter the challenges we face.
Romans 8:18 affirms this truth: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” When we set our eyes on the picture God has painted in our hearts, we are empowered to endure, trusting that His plan is greater than any temporary hardship.
Building with a Picture
You can’t effectively build anything without first setting your eyes on a clear picture. Every meaningful endeavor begins with a vision, and in the grand scheme of our lives, God is the ultimate architect, while we are the builders. He may sometimes reveal the big picture without every intricate detail. Yet, even when the finer points remain unclear, our task is to keep our focus on what He has shown us and follow His lead step by step.
As we build, the picture often becomes clearer. Stone upon stone, brick upon brick, the structure begins to take form, pillars, poles, and beams all coming together in harmony. With every step, the vision God gave us begins to make more sense, and we see His purpose unfolding.
That picture becomes your driving force. It’s what propels you forward, keeps you grounded during trials, and gives you clarity when distractions or discouragement arise. Whether in your waking moments or in your quiet thoughts before sleep, the vision is always at the forefront of your heart. It fuels your passion, sustains your focus, and keeps you steady on the journey.
Without a vision, without a compelling picture of why you’re building, frustration and aimlessness creep in. But when your mission and vision are rooted in God’s purpose, every step gains meaning, and every challenge becomes part of the process that leads you closer to what He has designed for you.
Key Scripture
Hebrews 12:1-3
