Vision: Seeing What’s Invisible

An interview with Dr Don Moore,

 Executive Director Emeritus, Canadian Christian Business Federation (CCBF)

By Nancy Kingdon

“Where there is no vision, the people perish”, we learn in Proverbs 29:18 (KJV). Life and death are at stake!

“Vision is the ability to see what is invisible to others but clearly from God,” says Don Moore. This definition has been tested over time and continues to hold true.

Vision is also closely entwined with spiritual purpose and passion. For example, visionary purpose without passion lacks energy and inspirational fire whereas visionary passion without purpose lacks focus and clear direction. Yet when braided, these three strands form an unbreakable faith chain, destined for amazing rejoicing and for God’s glory.

Don’s Story

As a youngster, perhaps in grade two or three, Don recalls experiencing a strong burden to pray for an unsaved classmate; he prayed that his friend would go to heaven and not be lost. In other words, he saw a need and responded.

Looking back, Don recognizes that vision begins---at least in his personal experience----by acknowledging and acting upon an urgent need. Obedient to one step, then two, a faith vision slowly takes shape, unfolding God’s plan.

“Seek God’s vision ahead of your own ambition,” is the advice that Don offers to a person starting out in business. Humility plus a servanthood attitude are essential ingredients. But a pitfall to watch out for is the temptation to move ahead of God’s timing.

When asked what lessons he has learned, during his past five years as Executive Director of CCBF, Don lists three: patience, persistence and a new alertness to the potential that surrounds him.

For example, when Don began in November 2020, the pandemic was in full swing. It was not business as usual! Things were falling apart so fast it felt like the thirty-five year history he inherited was vanishing. It took patience and persistence to rebuild CCBF’s foundation.

On the positive side, however, Don recognized that he was energized by awakening potential----revealed through the network of gifted leaders God brought alongside of him, to help nourish idea seeds God was planting in this freshly turned soil, called CCBF.

What sparks joy, he discovered, was the ‘WOW factor’ of seeing ordinary business leaders somehow become kingdom-building business leaders. Seeing eternal outcomes and focusing beyond ourselves, sparks excitement.

Don recommends reading Henry T. Blackaby’s book, Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God. This book focuses on relationship building.

For Nehemiah’s visionary story, read also Andy Stanley’s Visioneering: Your Guide for Discovering and Maintaining Personal Vision.

Biblical Principles

Without Vision, People Perish. Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

God Makes Wonderful Plans for Each Believer. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29: 11-12

Planning Vision Requires Patience. Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false, though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord ss the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2: 2-3,14 (NIV)

Conclusion

God is always faithful. If He promises us something, and calls us to help him with a project of His design, He takes responsibility for equipping us to do what He asks of us. He brings the success.

Nehemiah’s gigantic plan to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem originated in God’s heart, as His big vision.  We recognize that God gave Nehemiah huge favour, first from the king, to approve the plan he presented and then from helpers willing to rebuild sections of the wall, nearest to their own dwelling places in spite of the opposition tempting them to give up.  See Nehemiah 1,2,6.

Nehemiah had a vision. He saw a need. He took action, and in so doing, he trusted God to help him fulfill this vision. It was a success!

What seems impossible, through God’s help, becomes possible. What’s invisible becomes visible. Best of all, God is glorified when we submit to God’s plan for our life and pursue His will.

Are you seeking to serve God wholeheartedly? Are you ready to ask yourself a few questions, and take action, to do something with passionate intentionality?

    • What need has God put before you, that requires a commitment or response?

    • Can you articulate your life’s purpose, passion and vision?

    • What are you planning to do this month, to move towards your vision? 

“Connecting Your Sunday Faith to Your Monday Work”

The Canadian Christian Business Federation exists to support business leaders in the study and application of Biblical Leadership Principles with peers, in order to transform lives, strengthen businesses, and positively influence and impact our world.

Nancy Kingdon is an author and freelance writer proudly serving CCBF ministries as their Story Writer.  Her newest book release in March 2025 is Magnolia Grace Gardens: A Collection of Devotional Poetry. Visit her website at: writinglegacy.com