A Perfect Vision

Proverbs 16:9 reminds us: “The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

Every parent has a dream and vision for their child’s life. Whether it’s becoming a professional athlete, a successful businessperson, or a missionary, parents often have aspirations for what their children will achieve one day. At the heart of these dreams is the hope that their children will lead successful lives. In fact, I have never met a parent who wished the opposite for their child. (Just ask the parent who loses their mind at the little league every weekend.)

But what if your vision for your child is entirely different from God’s vision? It’s important to remember that while the world seeks direction through human vision, God often reveals His plans through divine revelation. Having dreams and aspirations for your children isn’t wrong or sinful. However, it becomes problematic when we elevate our own dreams above God’s calling for their lives.

What if God’s will for your child is to be a full-time missionary, a pastor, or something completely different from what you’ve imagined? As parents, we must remember and trust that, even before the foundation of the earth, God has known our children by name. He has carefully planned every detail of their lives—where they will live, what they will do, and how their lives will make an impact.

This year, instead of focusing on our own dreams and visions for our children, let’s ask God to reveal His perfect plan for their lives. Let’s pray that He would make His will so clear to them that they feel compelled to follow Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.