God-Given Vision -- part 2
Let’s continue our discussion of God-given vision by looking at two more vision requirements. If you did not read our introductory blog on this subject last week, I would encourage you to do that first so that we are all on the same page as we move forward.
A vision requires action, not just seeing.
We read in Proverbs 29: 18 (NLT): When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. Where there is no vision, the people perish (or cast off restraint – live purposeless lives).
This verse means that we can have a vision, but if we don’t put things into motion or act on it, we get nothing done. For example, if I would put a boat into the water but just let it go, it would simply follow the river current flow and never get to the specific destination that I desired. Mothers of Nations, we must see the vision. We must embrace the vision. We must “do” the vision!
Let’s think about the life of Saul before his Damascus Road experience. He had a worldly vision to kill or arrest all the Christians that he could. But then God intervened and gave Saul His heavenly assigned vision!
Acts 9: 1-6 (NKJV)
Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” 6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
And how did Saul respond to this God-given vision? Did he take action? Perhaps his response to the assignment is most succinctly put in his statement of Acts 26: 19.
“Paul declared, ‘And so, King Agrippa, I obeyed that vision from heaven.’”
Yes, in the end through all the ups and downs of his assignment Paul (Saul) said he was obedient to his God-given vision.
A vision requires boundaries.
What does this mean? What is the value of boundaries and why are they important to God-given vision? Simply stated, boundaries keep us focused, help us set limits, and give us the ability to say “no.”
As a personal example, I learned about ministry boundaries in the early years of pastoring. I discovered that boundaries in my personal life had to be developed so that I could be most effective in pastoring our congregation. It didn’t take long for me to realize that a pastor can’t counsel all day, every day. There were always needs that demanded my time and I learned very quickly that I needed to set counseling boundaries by setting one day a week for all the counseling appointment requests.
As I acted on my God-given vision assignment as a pastor I soon recognized that Pastors need time to prepare, pray, and study. Mothers of Nations, we can’t get a vision accomplished if we have others demanding all of our time and energy.
We need to be available to others’ needs of course, but setting boundaries keeps ministry in balance! I have come to learn that boundaries also help us decide if people’s suggestions and ideas align with God’s vision that He has given us.
As we conclude today’s entry, take a moment to think about your God-given vision. Is it still an “idea” in your heart and mind or have you acted on that vision? Also, what are the boundaries you have found necessary to set in place around your vision accomplishment? I would love to hear from you!
Blessings to each of you as you walk out your unique God-given vision!
Dr. Sharon Predovich
