One of my favorite proverbs is "Where there is no vision, the people perish." In other words, where there is not a clear picture of the future, all that is left is destruction.

Vision creates a picture of what the future could be. When there is freedom to be a visionary, there is the freedom to dream of the possibility. Vision looks at an abandoned store front and says what could be. Vision draws inspiration from others and grows confidence saying "I could do that."

Vision creates a picture of what the future should be. Vision is more than a set of goals. Vision looks at the situations that are and creates a clear picture of what they should be. Vision is birthed out of correcting atrocities. Vision pours forth justice when injustice is accepted. Vision says this is what should be, this is the way the world should work, and this is the way that my life should be.

A lack of vision brings an inherent danger. Instinctive living means moving from one impulse to the next without any thought of where that action is taking you. Vision brings focus. Vision eliminates what is not necessary. When there is no vision, everything is equally important, meaning that nothing is important.

A young boy walked onto the edge of a battlefield that changed his life. A giant of a man single-handedly held an army captive in fear, mocking them and their God. This boy, who up to this day was a shepherd and the vision that his family had for him was a shepherd, stood on the edge of the battlefield and in faith said, "This fear should not be, deliverance is what could be." In faith he stepped onto the field of battle with a slingshot and five smooth stones. With the weapons of a visionary shepherd the giant was killed.

Every generation faces the challenge of having a clear vision for their future, looking at their day asking "What could be? What should be?" We have each been entrusted with the responsibility of growing vision in those we influence, particularly our children and grandchildren. Instilling within them faith, courage, the ability to picture what could be and what should be. Through guided opportunities to succeed and fail vision is refined and faith is strengthened.

There are more Davids than Goliaths.

Rob Hurtgen is a husband, father, minister and writer. Read more from him at www.robhurtgen.wordpress.com.