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Visions vs. Dreams
[Biblical Insight]
02/19/2010
By Carr, Dr. David
Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." Many are the people that quote this verse, and by doing so, wish to instill in others the idea that they have "vision", but is stating you have a vision all that is required. Others might say they have "Big Dreams", but are "dreams" and "visions" actually the same thing. Although often used together, or simultaneously, I believe we can determine a difference in our everyday lives. In the Bible, God used "dreams" and "visions" to reveal His will, wishes, commands, and desires to those who served Him. God even used these same methods to trouble the hearts and minds of those who were not His servants. So what's the difference for today? I believe we can say that when the average believer speaks of a "dream", they are merely thinking of a near utopian wish that, in reality, they believe has no chance of coming true. Like unto the married couple that sits and ponders what they would do if they won the grand prize of a national sweepstakes, in their hearts they know it is "dreaming", the checks not coming, and their plans will go unfulfilled. Let us then consider "visions", the desires, goals, and ambitions may appear to be the same of the "dreamer", but in reality, those with a true "vision" are far different. A "vision" will go farther than a "dream", because a "vision" will include a proposed plan of action, a mind to work, and a faith that sees the invisible. Jonathon Swift is quoting as saying, "Vision is the art of seeing things invisible" The Word of God says in Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." I believe God wants us to have a "vision" of what we can do for Him, through Him, and with Him. The glory is His, not ours, as long as our "vision" is not "without Him" For without Him, we can do nothing, our aspirations, yea, our visions become just mere "dreams" if He is not included.
