The poorest person in the world is not the person who doesn’t have a nickel. The poorest person in the world is the one who doesn’t have a vision.

Vision provides direction.A clear vision, a dream or purpose beyond oneself, is the driving force behind a fruitful and impactful life. It moves individuals beyond the mundane, immediate concerns to strive for something greater, often for the glory of God and the betterment of others. Without a compelling vision, people tend to drift, lacking the motivation to overcome obstacles or reach their full potential.

Stages of a dream.A God-given dream typically progresses through stages: "I thought it" (initial idea), "I caught it" (excitement and personal connection), "I bought it" (commitment and investment), "I sought it" (pursuit driven by desire), and "I got it" (realization). Successful individuals move through all these stages, willing to pay the price for their vision. The ultimate stage for a leader is "I taught it," passing the vision to others.

Vision stops and sends.A powerful vision from God first stops us, revealing our current position and potential, often highlighting our shortcomings ("Woe is me"). But it doesn''t leave us there; it sends us out to impact the lives of others. This dual action of stopping and sending, as seen in figures like Paul and Isaiah, is crucial for transforming personal potential into outward influence and fruitfulness.