God's Vision For My Life

Lunch hour at a Langley high school

Last summer I wrote about the personal renovation project God had started in my life through the Arrow Leadership Program. As we start this new year, I wanted to tell you about another assignment that is making waves in my life. We were tasked with seeking out and writing down what is God’s vision for our life. This was unique in that most vision exercises I’ve encountered unintentionally end up focusing more on what we want ministry to look like rather than really seeking what God wants it to look like.

A year ago I would’ve have been able to express much of the sentiment found in my vision statement but it would have been much more general. I would have used phrases like “I feel called to youth and those outside the church. I feel called to social justice. I feel called to help the church be the church in their community.”

Today as I look at these 120 words, I feel inspired—my heart races and tears flow. I see something very unique and specific that will filter future ministry decisions. I see a vision too big to accomplish on my own and I wanted to share it with you!

My dear saint, you are redeemed.
A challenging journey awaits.
Stay the course. Abide in me.
Don’t go alone. Don’t forget to have fun.
When you’re broken or lost—look up.
Find my power and purpose in the chaos.
I’m waiting for you in hidden, unlikely places.

The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
These are my kids: the invisible, oppressed, silenced, lost and forgotten.

Teach the churched to be church...call to them.
The voice of one calling in the desert, “Make straight the paths… the Lord is here.”
See the seeds I’ve planted and sprouts coming up?
Tend them well—no trampling allowed.
Do you hear the people sing?
I hear them, teach them my song.

-Jesus

Written by Derian Julihn