See It Before You Become It

One of the most powerful gifts God gave humanity is imagination. Animals operate by instinct, but you were created with vision—the ability to see a future reality before it happens. And here’s the secret: what you consistently see on the inside eventually shapes who you become on the outside.

That’s why Proverbs 29:18 says:
📖 “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” (KJV)

Without vision, life feels random, scattered, and reactive. But when you learn to see with faith-filled imagination, you start stepping into your God-given identity and future.

Jesus constantly used vision language. He told His disciples to “lift up your eyes” (John 4:35), to “seek first the kingdom” (Matthew 6:33), and to pray “on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). All of that requires seeing beyond what’s in front of you and picturing a reality aligned with God’s truth.

Imagination and Identity

Identity isn’t just discovered—it’s developed. And vision is the bridge. Before you can do something different, you have to see yourself differently.

• If you see yourself as unworthy, you’ll live small.

• If you see yourself as righteous in Christ, you’ll live bold.

• If you see yourself as rejected, you’ll isolate.

• If you see yourself as chosen, you’ll walk with confidence.

You will always act in alignment with the image you hold of yourself. That’s why it’s so important to shape your inner vision with God’s Word.

📖 “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image…” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV)

What you behold, you become.

How to Shape Your V.I.S.I.O.N.

Here’s a framework to help you use imagination the way God intended:

V – Visualize With Scripture
Don’t just imagine anything—fill your mind with God’s promises. See yourself as His Word describes you.
📖 “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17 NKJV)

I – Identify the Future You
Who is God calling you to be? Write it down. Picture the version of you who is walking in freedom, peace, and purpose.

S – Speak It Out Loud
Vision takes root when you declare it. Words paint pictures, and your confession aligns your heart with your imagination.
📖 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21 NKJV)

I – Immerse in God’s Presence
Your vision needs fuel. In prayer and worship, the Holy Spirit enlarges what you see and confirms your direction.
📖 “In Your light we see light.” (Psalm 36:9 NKJV)

O – Own Small Steps
Big vision is built on daily action. Own today’s choices that move you closer to the person you’re becoming.

N – Never Stop Seeing
Vision isn’t a one-time exercise—it’s a lifestyle. Keep the picture before your eyes until it becomes reality.
📖 “Write the vision and make it plain… though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come.” (Habakkuk 2:2–3 NKJV)

Living With Vision

When you live by vision:

• You stop being defined by your past—you’re directed by your future.

• You stop drifting—you start moving with clarity.

• You stop settling—you start becoming who God always said you were.

The enemy wants to blur your vision with lies. God wants to sharpen your vision with truth. And when you see it clearly, you’ll step into it boldly.

A Final Word

Becoming who God made you to be doesn’t happen randomly—it happens through vision. He designed you to walk with clarity, not confusion. And true faith always starts with seeing His promise before it shows up in reality.

So today, ask yourself: What do I see when I look at me? Do I see the broken version, or the redeemed version? Do I see the rejected version, or the chosen version?

Lift your eyes. Shape your imagination with God’s Word. And remember: you have to see it before you can become it.

—Shannon