Years ago, God gave me Habakkuk 2:2 as my writing verse. Because I wanted to understand His message to me, I did some research into the meaning of the words in this verse. I’ve often found that the Hebrew words translated to English lack some of the original meaning. Thus, I like to look up the original language.

Here are some meanings according to Strongs:

Vision: a sight (mentally), that is, a dream, revelation, or oracle.

Daydreams. Nightmares. Imaginations. Thoughts. Visions. How interesting that the word ‘vision’ has more to do with inner sight then eyesight. I can relate to this, because stories develop in my head, and I ‘see’ them in my mind long before they are put on paper. An image may trigger an idea, but the idea for the book develops internally as I ‘see’ the story play out.

I wonder if this is how “In the beginning” started for the Lord. Did He imagine the stars and planets in their exact placement before speaking them into existence? Did He dream of the earth, and all its inhabitants, and become filled with excitement over His creation?

Again, according to Strongs:

Plain: to dig; by analogy to engrave; figuratively to explain or to declare

Not only am I to see the vision, but I need to make it ‘plain’ for others to understand. I am called to share the truth God shows me through story. Why is it important for me to do this? I believe enabling a person to ‘run’ means that they are encouraged in their walk. They can be uplifted by what I’ve written and will seek to walk closer to God. I love the idea of my words encouraging someone else to have a better relationship with Jesus.

When I am discouraged, or when I wonder if I’m doing what God wants, I can return to these familiar words. I love the concept of making His love easier to understand through the stories I write. As I contemplate some of the Hebrew words in this verse, I can better grasp what He is saying to me.

I know I am made in His image, and I consider my minimal creativity a dim reflection of His incredible ingenuity in the formation of all that I know. The love He poured into His handiwork inspires me to want to use my ‘vision’ to make ‘plain’ to my readers the concepts God wants them to learn in the hope that they, too, will become excited about their hope in Him. 

I pray that Jesus will engrave His dream on my heart. That He will give me a heart to understand the message and to be able to put the truth in terms that are easy for others to grasp. That He will help my writing incite passion for Him in my readers. Then, they too, will read the vision and run with it.