Heavenly Vision

Purpose and dreams are not always the same thing, but sometimes, a God-given dream or vision defines our purpose on this earth. One of the most important aspects of living a Christian life is understanding what the Lord has for us to do for Him. But the sad truth is that many believers think that vision and purpose are only for clergy or leaders of a church.

Although church leaders need to have a God-given plan or vision, we forget that the Lord also gives us as individuals a call, a purpose in our walk. If we go to the book of Acts, we get to peer into a conversation the Apostle Paul has with King Agrippa. We see this in chapter 26, verses 19-20. “So, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.”

What heavenly vision is Paul speaking of? This would be the time Christ Himself came to Paul, changed his life, and gave him new purpose. Instead of persecuting those who believe in Jesus as Savior, the Lord now gave Paul the purpose of ministering to them, both Jew and Gentile. We see this in verses 17-18 of the same chapter. “rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’” What a powerful vision and purpose.

But as we saw, Paul did not prove disobedient to the Lord, and that is why he is on trial. So, there are a couple of questions I would like to challenge you with today. One, what is it the Lord has given you to do for Him?  I’m not talking about a vision for the church, but for you individually. Second, are you being faithful to that vision and that call upon your life? Paul understood that the call Christ had put on his life could cost him everything, but he did not back down. I throw out this challenge for us all to know what God has planned for our lives individually, and to fulfill it. Remember, the Lord will not necessarily give you a task that you can do on your own strength, but will give you what you need to fulfill your vision.

There is no such thing as too young or too old. There is only the vision. Paul could have tried to make excuses, but something happened on that road to Damascus that changed His life, His purpose, and his desires.

 I ask again, what is it the Lord wants you to do for Him? If you don’t know, I would say it is time to ask Him, because every believer should have a vision. Will you prove to be obedient?