Jeremiah 1: 11; Numbers 13: 30
Moreover, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see a [a]branch of an almond tree. “Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word.”
The question (‘what do you see’?) is not directed at things within the realm of visibility (or sight), such as visible objects, situations, or scenes that are easily seen by the human eye. Rather, this is a question of faith that focuses on our mindset, perception, or what we envision, in the realm of the invisible. It is what we see through the eyes of the spirit, as a function of our faith in God’s word regarding any circumstance or situation.
When God asked the prophet, Jeremiah, this same question (Jeremiah 1: 11), God was referring to what Jeremiah perceived or envisioned in his mind. The issue of faith is hinged on the condition of the mind, and thought patterns. Our thoughts affect our mindset, and perception (what we see); this, in turn, impacts the quality of our faith!
So in any given situation, the first step for a successful faith project is to work on our thoughts and mind – that is, through God’s word, and prayers, develop (or envision) a clear/positive picture (or imagination) of the end result you desire. Once established, your actions will naturally flow from what you have envisioned (that is, it will flow from a place of faith).
It is interesting to note that as soon as Jeremiah answered this question, God responded by saying He watches over His word to fulfill it! A favorite quote from a man of God says ‘it is what you see (envision) that you can seize’; what you imagine will emerge’! Through this simple concept, Caleb and Joshua saw beyond the realm of the visible into the land of endless possibilities! The ability to envision/maintain a desired outcome makes way for a successful faith project.
This is the simple reason why many of us fail in the issue of faith; because we have not obtained the grace to see beyond the realities of that situation. We do not have a clear picture (or vision) of what we are believing for. The tyranny of the prevailing circumstance overwhelms our faith, so it becomes easy to be thrown off our feet with the continuous intimidation of reality!
But God’s word is beyond reality! It penetrates the invisible; it sees the impossible! So it is paramount to ask for the grace to see what God sees in every situation, so that what we have envisioned will eventually emerge! This is how to be successful in any faith project!
So what do you see in the situations you are faced with?