Why Every Writer Needs a Vision

By Andrea Merrell

As writers—especially Christian writers—we need to know the Bible is filled with Scriptures that talk about God speaking to His children through dreams and visions. In fact, Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) says, Where there is no vision, the people perish.

Let’s look a little closer and find out what that means for us as writers.

Vision

Some people look at this as mysterious, something that doesn’t happen in our modern society. Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary says it can be something seen in a dream or trance; a thought or concept formed in the imagination. But vision, simply put, is what can be rather than what is. Without vision—like that of Thomas Edison, Albert Schweitzer, Benjamin Franklin, and many others—we would not have advanced as a society to where we are today.

But what happens when you have a vision? You create a plan … a mission.

Mission

Webster’s defines mission as a pre-established and often self-imposed objective or purpose. Basically, your mission is a set of small, achievable goals that will propel you toward your vision. These goals are generally specific and measurable.

Setting Your Goals

The first step is knowing and being confident in your vision. What has God placed in your heart? What do you see yourself doing next year? Five years from now?

Once you’re confident in your vision, create your mission statement. Write the vision and make it plain (Habakkuk 2:2 NKJV). Sometimes, writing things down will solidify what’s in your mind and heart and give you a benchmark to focus on.

Do you have a vision? Maybe it’s:

• Writing a devotion
• Writing a best-selling novel
• Winning a writing contest
• Teaching a writing class
• Attending a writers’ conference
• Designing your own website
• Speaking to students about writing
• Traveling the world for inspiration

Whatever your vision—no matter how small or large—do you have a mission? Have you broken it down and created a set of bite-sized, achievable goals to get you there? If not, why not begin today.

If you don’t have a vision for your writing career, ask God to give you one. He will, I promise. And when He does, He will give you the wisdom, resources, and connections to get you to your God-given destiny.

(Photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/Stuart Miles/Sattva.) 

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As a writer, what is your vision? via @AndreaMerrell (Clickto Tweet.)

If you don’t have a vision for your writing career, ask God to give you one. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)

Break your vision down into bite-sized, achievable goals. via@AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)