Write the Vision — But Whose?

Trusting God’s Sovereignty Instead of Writing Our Own Story

It is that time of year again.

The end of the year is when people naturally pause to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. We evaluate what we accomplished, what we didn’t, and what we hope to do differently next time. We plan. We reset. We dream again.

But for those of us who follow Christ — or as some prefer to say, are disciples of Christ — reflection goes deeper than goals and resolutions. It becomes a spiritual posture.

Some no longer like the word “Christian” because, sadly, in America, the label does not always resemble Christ. Others emphasize discipleship to highlight relationship over religion. Whatever we call ourselves, if we have walked with God for any length of time, we have almost certainly encountered one of the most quoted Scriptures this time of year:

“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.” — Habakkuk 2:2

This verse is often used to encourage people to write personal goals, build vision boards, or chart their future.

But that is not what this passage is actually about.

Habakkuk Was Not Writing His Vision

Habakkuk was not being instructed to write his vision.
He was being told to write God’s revelation.

Before God spoke, Habakkuk positioned himself to listen:

“I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me.” — Habakkuk 2:1

He waited. He listened. He watched.

Then God spoke — and told him to write what He revealed.

The vision was not self-generated.
It was God-initiated.

God Directs the Path — We Learn to Trust It

Scripture consistently reminds us that our role is not control, but trust:

• “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” — Proverbs 16:9
• “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD.” — Psalm 37:23
• “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. — Isaiah 55:8–9
• “Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’” — James 4:13–15

This passage is not about us designing our future — it is about God declaring His purposes and inviting us to walk with Him as He unfolds them.

Sometimes His ways confuse us.
Sometimes His timing feels slow.
Sometimes we don’t understand what He is doing at all.

Yet Scripture reassures us:

• “The vision is yet for an appointed time… though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come.” — Habakkuk 2:3
• “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

The True Meaning of “Write the Vision”

So what does it mean to write the vision?

It means we become attentive to God’s voice.
It means we submit our plans to His will.
It means we trust His character more than our clarity.

It is not self-direction.
It is divine submission.

And in that posture — not control, but trust — we find peace, clarity, and hope.

Closing Scriptures

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 1:6

“The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever.” — Psalm 138:8

A Prayer for the New Season

Father God,

As we stand at the edge of a new season, we pause to acknowledge You.
Forgive us for the times we rushed ahead of You, tried to control outcomes, or wrote our own story instead of trusting Yours.

Teach us to stand on the watch like Habakkuk — to wait, to listen, and to trust.
Quiet our fears. Align our hearts with Your will. Order our steps according to Your purpose.

We declare that You who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it.
We trust You with what we cannot yet see, what we do not yet understand, and what is still unfolding.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.