“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” — Proverbs 29:18
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Write a personal vision statement
- Set SMART goals in several life areas
- Break goals into action steps
Lesson Notes
Why Vision Matters
Vision is a picture of the future you're working toward. Without it, days drift. With it, choices have direction. A leader's vision gives others hope too.
Writing a Vision Statement
A vision statement describes who you want to be and what you want to contribute in three to five years. Example: “I will be a steady, faith-filled mother and a trusted office professional who mentors other women coming home.”
SMART Goals
Break vision into goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Set goals in several areas: spiritual, family, work, education, finances, and health.
Action Steps and Obstacles
Each goal needs next steps you can take this week. Plan for obstacles in advance: “If I miss a class, then I'll call the instructor the same day.”
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Vision | A picture of the future you're working toward |
| SMART goal | Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound |
| Action step | A small task that moves a goal forward |
| If-then plan | A plan for handling an obstacle |
In-Class Activities
Vision Draft
Imagine it is five years from now and things have gone well. Describe a typical day: where you live, your work, your relationships, your faith. Then turn it into a two-sentence vision statement.
Goal Ladder
Choose one SMART goal. Write the goal at the top of a ladder and three action steps below it, starting with the smallest step.
Assignment: Vision and Goals
- Finalize your vision statement.
- Write one SMART goal in at least four areas: spiritual, family, work, and one more.
- For each, write two action steps and one if-then plan.
Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.
Reflection Journal
Proverbs 29:18 says without vision the people perish. What dreams did you set aside because they seemed impossible? Which ones might God want to revive?
Prayer focus: Ask God to show you His vision for your life and to give you steps for today.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
Seeing the Future Before It Arrives
After years of disappointment, it can feel dangerous to hope. Dreams may have been set aside because they seemed impossible. But Scripture says where there is no vision, the people perish (Proverbs 29:18). Vision gives life direction and hope.
A personal vision statement describes who you want to be and what you want to contribute in three to five years. For example: I will be a steady, faith-filled mother and a trusted office professional who mentors other women coming home.
Vision becomes reality through goals. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Set goals in several areas: spiritual, family, work, education, finances, and health.
Each goal needs a first step you can take this week, however small. And each goal needs an if-then plan for obstacles: If I miss a class, then I will call the instructor the same day. Planning for obstacles keeps them from stopping you.
Hold your plans with open hands. We plan our way, and the Lord directs our steps (Proverbs 16:9).
Think About It
- What dream did you set aside that might come back to life? ______________________
- Write a first draft of your vision statement. ______________________
- What obstacle do you expect, and what is your if-then plan? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 4
Where There Is No Vision
Where there is no vision, the people perish.— Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)
Vision gives life. Without it, days drift. With it, choices have purpose.
Reflect: What vision do you have for your life?
Pray: Lord, give me Your vision for my life.
Do: Write your vision statement in two sentences.
Plans and Steps
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.— Proverbs 16:9 (KJV)
We make plans; God guides the steps. Plan with faith and flexibility.
Reflect: Where do you need to hold your plans loosely?
Pray: Lord, direct my steps.
Do: Write one goal and one first step.
Restored Years
And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten.— Joel 2:25 (KJV)
God can restore lost time in ways we cannot imagine. Your future is not limited by lost years.
Reflect: What years do you want God to restore?
Pray: Lord, restore what has been lost.
Do: Name one dream you want God to revive.
Press Toward the Mark
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.— Philippians 3:14 (KJV)
Paul kept moving forward with purpose. Goals help us press on when we feel like stopping.
Reflect: What are you pressing toward?
Pray: Lord, help me press forward.
Do: Take one action toward a goal today.
Wait on the Lord
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.— Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
Some goals take time. Waiting on God renews our strength for the long road.
Reflect: Where do you need renewed strength?
Pray: Lord, renew my strength as I wait.
Do: Rest intentionally for 15 minutes today.
Module Quiz
- 1.
A vision statement describes:
- 2.
Which goal is SMART?
- 3.
An if-then plan helps you:
- 4.
Setting goals in only one area of life is enough for balance.
- 5.
Write one action step for the goal “Save $500 in six months.”