When reading Habakuk 2: 2-3, a question must be asked; why did the writer , under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, use the word VISION instead of DREAM?
”And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.“
Habakkuk 2:2-3 KJV
There are many definitions for the word dream but the one must fitting is ‘a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal’. It’s also a distant goal-usually afar off into the future with no expiry/completion date.
There are also many definitions for vision. The one we’ll be using is this: ‘ the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom’. Vision is the blueprint/road-map/stepping stones to accomplish the dream.
To see the steps ahead clearly like 20/20 vision; like having clear-sightedness of the steps needed to complete the work.
Write the vision and make it plain translates to “write it out step by step how to accomplish the dream”. Writing the vision can be anything God has placed on your heart to accomplish as long as it gives God the glory and helps others.
A great example of dreams and visions working hand in hand is in Joel as God promised to pour out his spirit upon everyone:
“Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions.“
Joel 2:28 NLT
God will use dreams and visions for which can span generations for reasons God decides such as in the example of David and Solomon. David had a dream to build God a magnificent temple as a permanent home from the Ark of the Covenant as it was housed in an elaborate tent.
”the king summoned Nathan the prophet. “Look,” David said, “I am living in a beautiful cedar palace, but the Ark of God is out there in a tent!”“
2 Samuel 7:2 NLT
”For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever.“
2 Samuel 7:12-13 NLT
The Lord tells David he will not be the one to build the temple, but his son Solomon and although David had the dream; Solomon was given the vision to complete it. David prepared for his dream to be accomplished even though he knew he would die before his dream was accomplished. Solomon was the one who had the vision for the details needed to complete it. As you can imagine the blue print was clearly written so the builders could run with it to complete the work.
It is incredibly important that we have both a dream and a vision given to us by God. We must do our part to ask God for wisdom, clarity and direction when we have been given a dream and or the vision and what must be done to complete it.
Whatever the dream or vision God has given you; ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE THROUGH GOD!
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father we come before you, thanking you for choosing us to release the dream and/or vision you want accomplished in this Earth. Give us the wisdom, clarity and direction to understand what you are asking us today. Thank you for giving us the strength everyday to go forth and do what we have been created to do.
In Jesus name,
AMEN