“We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon.” ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
One of the things I love about traveling through the mountains is topping a ridge and seeing a whole new horizon ahead. The vistas are beautiful, especially at sunrise and sundown, when fog fills the valleys. Not only do I love the view, but I also feel inspired to go farther. When I top a ridge, only then can I see the next ridge in the distance and begin to wonder what the view might look like from there. The views are ever changing and there always seems to be something to explore on each new horizon.
Here’s one thing I know about new horizons: you’ll never see one if you’re not moving. New horizons are only seen by those who venture beyond the safety and comfort of where they are now. You have to be willing to take risks and navigate the unknown. Leaders who are pursuing big, “God-size” visions have to be moving forward to discover new opportunities. This was true of Paul on his second missionary journey. After traveling west the whole way across Asia Minor, Paul and his team came to Troas on the coast of the Aegean Sea.
When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. So putting out to sea from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and on the day following to Neapolis; and from there to Philippi… (Acts 16:10-12a NASB)
Paul came to the end of land but not the end of his journey. Nothing was going to stop him from pursuing the vision God had given him. As Paul looked out over the Aegean Sea, all he could see was the distant horizon as it met the water. So, he got on a boat and headed that way. Paul knew if he went toward the horizon he would be able to see the next horizon from there. Each new horizon brings new hope and new opportunity.
When you have a big vision, you may not be able to see how you are going to “get there from here.” The principle of new horizons is simply to keep moving toward the horizon you see and when you get there, you’ll see a new horizon of opportunity. The key is to keep moving forward, stay on course, and head for the next ridge!
Take steps toward your vision today by focusing your attention on the next ridge in view. You will be encouraged and inspired on your journey when you reach that ridge and see the next new horizon. I think God gives us one ridge to reach at a time, so we don’t get too overwhelmed. Never give up, keep pressing on, and you’ll reach your vision: one new horizon at a time.