“I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.”
Acts 26:19-20 (KJV)
I could feel the pressure and stress of commitment from across the sanctuary. I was attending a conference for a week and was enjoying it immensely until a friend and colleague suggested that I accept the pastorate of a church under his supervision. Two large congregations in his area needed pastors and I could choose the one I wanted. Several times that morning, I wondered what it would be like to pastor in either of those two churches. They were both great churches full of committed people. Then I began to examine myself. What had I gotten myself into? Why had I not continued in my business career? I’d always been captivated by preachers and pastors. Since childhood, I had sensed a call into this marvelous work of the Lord. With immature visions of a glorious ministry, I ignored (or had not grasped) the hardships, the afflictions, and the burden carried by my father. As you know, you are safe in dreams and visions until you act upon them.
A vision points you toward a specific purpose. A vision enables you to identify specific goals. A vision provides direction to your life. A vision is a burden that won’t let go of you. A vision creates fire in your bones and demands to be released. With a vision your choices are limited. You can’t accept every opportunity that is offered. You must put down roots and commit to the constraints of the vision. You must recognize the temptations to forget the vision. You must commit to the vision or else it is only a dream.
Back at the conference, I was in mild shock. I could see all the trappings of the opportunity before me . . . the financial benefits, the spotlight, the prestige, etc. I was briefly tempted to give up my vision in favor of “a better opportunity.” Prior to this conference, I had preached a sermon about the vision I have for the church I serve. In that sermon, I said, “This vision is going to cost you and me something. What are you willing to sacrifice in order to see it fulfilled?” Afterwards, on the way to the conference, I asked God to direct me in knowing what I personally would need to sacrifice for the vision. So, when my friend approached me I immediately recognized the hand of the Lord. I would have to sacrifice other pastoral opportunities. I would have to remove myself and ministry from the pastoral market. I refocused my attention on the worship service in the conference with new resolve to achieve the vision where God has planted me.
Dear Father, thank you for giving vision to our lives. Empower us with faith and fortitude to see it fulfilled. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in God’s vision for your life,