God’s instructions to the prophet in Habakkuk 2:2 (KJV) was, “Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” This was a particular Word given to a particular complaint made by people that questioned the cause and longevity of their oppression. Heavenly Father is the same today as He was when He gave this instruction thousands of years ago. He is consistent beyond any degree that you and I can fathom. His patterns are etched in creation, and we can count on them with the same specificity of which we rely on time and seasons. The popularity of this verse in Habakkuk 2:2 increased some years back as the link between vision, success, and destiny was realized. It illuminated God’s wisdom, and allowed us to see not only the practicality, but the spiritual process that is initiated when we write the vision and make it plain.

We’re fast approaching a new year, and if you’re like me, there are a few things written on last year’s list that may need to remain on it for the year to come. And in case you’re not in the practice of writing a prayer list each year because you’ve not yet recognized its usefulness, you might want to reconsider. A prayer list has more than an audience of one. There’s a spiritual aspect of writing a message to Heavenly Father and sealing it in the powerful name of Jesus Christ. A prayer list documents our intention to believe into manifestation. It puts faith on notice of our plan to back it with right believing and action.

I’ve stressed the importance of being deeply thankful for the blessings of God. As Christians, when our well of gratitude is not deep, the blessings we desire will not show up, and if they do they will quickly slip through our fingers. Faith is an incredible spiritual force that Heavenly Father has given us through the Lord Jesus Christ. If we have a casual attitude about faith, we are not as thankful for it as we should be. Faith can transform an internal thought into an external reality. We need to be firm in our convictions of faith, and writing them down is an important spiritual practice. Potentially, things that are bound can be released this way. It’s a powerful prayer tool when it is used with good and Godly intent.

God’s instruction to Habakkuk to “write the vision” affirms that Heavenly Father reveals through visions, and we should be attentive to write them down. Habakkuk certainly had the right attitude when he said in Habakkuk 2:1(NLT), “I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the LORD says and how he will answer my complaint.” This begs us to ask ourselves, “Am I on my watchtower? Am I standing at my guardpost to see what the Lord says?” 

We must ask ourselves these questions because the conviction of our faith should demand it of us. Our faith should be at such a level where we know with everything in us that God never fails. He never disappoints. He never overlooks. In Matthew 7:7(NLT), Jesus Christ tells us, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” We should have every expectation that God will respond to our requests, and do so in a way that emboldens our faith, sharpens our wisdom and/or inspires us to increase the vision about what we’re requesting.

So we should record our prayer requests most affirmatively, and we should also stay on the wall for God’s response, because He will speak to us through the indwelling Holy Spirit, through our circumstances, and through our everyday environment. Take notice of everything that is happening around you; whether it is propelling you forward or blocking you.  As we gain revelation and insight, we should write it down, because again, our prayer lists and journals are not just seen by our eyes only, but the host of heaven that are willing and able to help us according to the divine directive of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As always, Sisters, we have to keep it real. It’s sad to say, but for many people, this year will not hold the promise it holds for others. Some will snub the practice of writing the vision because they haven’t planned to do anything different. Instead of putting the heavens on notice by writing the vision and making it plain, they will do the same things they always do, and therefore will get the same results they always get.

God is doing a new thing, and it would be well with our souls to get on board. We encourage you to use your every resource to make this approaching year one of your best. There are too many distractions out there to get us off track. Keeping a prayer journal, writing down your vision, and tracking the spiritual gains and changes you’ve made will help you to remain focused. It will keep you motivated and enthused about expanding your vision continually, so that you document your faith and goals as you become the person God wants you to be.■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

 “A Message to Heavenly Father” written by Reverend Fran Mack, edited by Kim Times for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2017. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.