‘Your young men [and women] shall see visions.’ Joel 2:28 NKJV
When you ask a little child what they want to be when they grow up, they are apt to say something like a firefighter, or a doctor, or a famous actor. The ability to dream is a gift that God has placed within each of us. If you want to achieve great things in life, you need a vision. Joseph’s vision didn’t come to pass until he was thirty, but he received it from God when he was a teenager. And God will give you one too: ‘Your young men [and women] shall see visions.’
Right now you may be considering different options for your life, and even experimenting with some. That’s okay, you’re still getting to know yourself; your strengths and weaknesses, what you’re drawn to, and what you have no interest in at all. If you focus your thinking on only one thing and your aspirations change, then you have wasted your best mental energy. But as you grow and mature, you need to zero in and become selective. The Chinese say, ‘A man who chases two rabbits catches neither.’ And when you receive a God-given vision, it has staying power. It’s like a fire burning within you. It may be a full-time vocation or a part-time avocation, but it’s the thing you will find the most fulfilment in doing.
Paul wrote, ‘This one thing I do’ (Philippians 3:13 KJV). As a result, he changed history, and today, churches and cathedrals are named after him. Here is a prayer God will answer: ‘Lord, give me a vision for my life!’
Who was Joel?
Joel was a prophet in the Old Testament of the Bible, who is believed to have lived in the 9th century BC. He was one of the twelve minor prophets, and his book contains prophecies about the coming judgment of God on Israel and the nations, as well as promises of restoration and blessings for those who repent.
The verse you mentioned, Joel 2:28, is part of a larger passage in which Joel prophesies about a day when God would pour out His Spirit on all people, regardless of age, gender, or social status. This pouring out of the Spirit would result in signs and wonders, dreams and visions, and a widespread turning to God in repentance and faith.
This prophecy was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, which occurred after Jesus’ ascension into heaven. The apostles, along with many other believers, were gathered together when the Holy Spirit descended upon them in power, just as Joel had foretold. This event marked the beginning of the Christian church, and it fulfilled the promise of God to pour out His Spirit on all flesh.
In summary, Joel was a prophet who wrote about the judgment and restoration of Israel and the nations, and he prophesied about a day when God would pour out His Spirit on all people, resulting in signs and wonders, dreams and visions, and a widespread turning to God in repentance and faith.
Vision
The ability to dream is an important aspect of our existence that is often taken for granted. It is a gift that enables us to see beyond our current circumstances and imagine a better future. Whether it is a personal ambition or a grand societal goal, having a vision is crucial to achieving success.
Without a clear vision of what we want to accomplish, it is easy to become stagnant and lose motivation. A vision gives us direction and purpose, and it helps us identify the steps needed to reach our desired outcome. Moreover, a vision inspires us to believe that our dreams are achievable and enables us to push ourselves beyond our perceived limits.
So, if you want to achieve great things in life, take the time to develop a vision for yourself. Identify your objectives and visualize your desired outcome. Remain committed to your vision, remain true to your values, and work hard every single day to make your vision a reality. The journey may be long and challenging, but the rewards will be worth the effort.
