Habakkuk 2:2-3 Write the vision down… that he may run who reads it. For the vision is for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak and not lie, though it tarry, wait for it, for it shall surely come…
It says the Vision is for an “appointed time”. Therefore it may not happen when you want it to, but you must keep declaring it until it comes to pass – whether one year, five years, or ten years!
Joseph had a big vision. Two big dreams which spoke of the same vision God had for his life. God told Joseph that he would become a great ruler and rulers would bow down to him. But it was for an appointed time. Before that vision would come to pass, Joseph would face many trials and adversaries and it will most likely be the same with you, especially if you desire to pursue God’s vision for your life.
2 Corinthians 4:18 reveals something insightful: While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
It’s the things you cannot see with your physical eyes, like the vision God has placed within your heart, that's eternal – that’s what you must see with the eyes of faith and declare it.
This is where Joseph excelled in life.
All those disappointments that surrounded him; being thrown into a pit, being sold into slavery, being falsely accused and imprisoned – none of them lined up with the vision God had painted upon his heart as a young man. So he saw them as temporary, they wouldn’t last. He didn’t become discouraged. He maintained the right heart attitude. Joseph knew what vision God had put in his heart. This was the vision that he was looking to and declaring. Year upon year Joseph refused to allow negative circumstances to discourage him. He had faith in God to bring that vision to pass.
And then one day the right doors did open. And the right doors will also open for you.
We all face disappointment, setbacks, unfair situations. At times you might even feel like you have been thrown into a pit and all you want to do is give up! But instead of being discouraged and letting that cloud your vision, just look inside you and stare at the vision God has painted upon your heart. Whether it is something in God’s House you see yourself doing or something in the marketplace, those discouraging circumstances are temporary. They will pass and/or change just as they changed for Joseph. Remain steadfast. The vision is for an appointed time. That time is coming. It's closer.
Continue to declare the vision of God over your life. Continue to stare at that vision within your heart and be encouraged by the Spirit of God. He knows it’s there. He knows it’s for an appointed time. Although it is taking a while, just wait for it because it will surely come.