Let Your Vision Lead Your Money in 2026

Most of us don’t struggle to set goals. We struggle to keep them in focus.

We begin the year hopeful and motivated, ready to make progress with our money. But somewhere between intention and follow-through, life intervenes. Distractions rise. Urgent needs demand attention. And slowly—without meaning to—we drift.

That’s why it's so important to Clarify your Vision.

Not plans. Not steps. Not strategies (at least not yet.) Vision comes first.

Vision begins in the heart, then guidance unfolds step by step as God faithfully meets us on the journey.

Why Clarity Comes Before Action

Last week, we looked back. We learned our lessons. We reflected honestly on what worked, what didn’t, and what wisdom God was shaping through our experiences.

But reflection isn’t the end of the story, it’s the beginning.

Faithful stewardship also requires us to lift our eyes and look ahead. Not to rush into doing, but to gain clarity about where we’re going - to get a clear vision.

Many people struggle to achieve goals not because they lack discipline, but so often because they lack clarity. Without a clear destination, even good steps can lead us nowhere.

Proverbs 29:18 reminds us: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Without vision, we can wander, we can drift, and drifting is never neutral.

Drifting Is Subtle, but Costly

Drifting rarely feels dramatic. It happens quietly.

You start strong. You care deeply. You’re making good decisions. But over time, competing priorities pull your attention. Necessary responsibilities take over. Nothing feels wrong—yet somehow, you’re no longer moving forward toward your goal.

Vision keeps us focused when the current pushes against us.

As the saying goes, you never drift to a destination of your own choosing. That’s true in life, and it’s true financially.

Vision Is About the Destination, Not the Details

We often confuse vision with planning, but they’re not the same. Plans focus on how. Vision focuses on where.

Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 16:9: “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” We’re encouraged to look ahead while leaving room for God to guide each step.

A Simple Way to Clarify Your Vision

Clarifying vision isn’t about pressure or control. It’s grounded in prayer, not performance.

First, stand in the future.
Not someday. Not maybe. Picture a real money moment—December 31, 2026.

Second, look around.
What do you see in your financial life? What's is happening in your faithful financial life? Think about all of the money moments, your giving, saving, spending, investing, communication, etc.?

Third, describe it as clearly as possible.
Not as a wish, but as a lived reality, something true and real. What does faithful finances look like on that date? How does it feel? 

Vision pulls us forward emotionally as well as spiritually. Joy. Gratitude. Relief. Peace. Those emotions matter—they help anchor us when motivation fades.

Vision Creates Alignment

When vision is clear, decisions become simpler. You may still need to address urgent needs along the way, but vision helps you return to your direction more quickly.

The early church understood this well. In Acts 6, in the story, 'Choosing the Seven,'  when challenges arose, the disciples didn’t abandon their calling, they clarified it. Vision kept them aligned with God’s greater purpose, even while solving real problems.

The same is true for us.

Vision opens our hearts to direction. It steadies us when the current shifts and reminds us why we’re stewarding in the first place.

A Faithful Invitation

As you move forward this year, resist the urge to rush into action without clarity.

Pause. Pray. Look ahead. Ask God to shape the vision He’s inviting you into—not just for your money, but for who you’re becoming as a faithful steward.

Because vision doesn’t just light your steps, it keeps you moving when the journey gets hard. And when vision begins in the heart, God is faithful to meet us step by step along the way.

NEXT STEPS:

Click here to get your free copy of the updated 22-page workbook, Achieve Your Money Goals in 2026, and follow along this month with podcasts, emails and blogs!  When you click the link, it will take you to the MMF Home page. There click on ACCESS THE HUB and you will follow the steps to download the free resource. 

Listen to Money Made Faithful podcast Episode #210: Achieve Your Money Goals in 2026 – Step 2 of 4: Clarify Your Vision (approx. 16 minutes).

Apple: Episode #210 – Achieve Your Money Goals in 2026 – Step 2 of 4: Clarify Your Vision
Spotify: Episode #210 – Achieve Your Money Goals in 2026 – Step 2 of 4: Clarify Your Vision