“And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a certain man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us’” (Acts 16:9). It’s one thing to sense a vision of God’s will, yet quite another to act on it. The vision must be translated into reality—from vision to mission. So it was for Paul. While ministering in Troas with missionary companions Silas and Timothy, Paul had a vision. There stood a man pleading with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” How easy it would have been for Paul to ignore his vision. He could have convinced himself saying, “I was only dreaming.” But not Paul. With his companions, he acted on the vision and entered Europe for the first time, going into Macedonia! They acted on Paul’s vision, because they were convinced that God had called them to proclaim the good news there (Acts 16:10). Do you see the progression from vision to mission? God called Paul in a vision—they were convinced of that! They then took action and set sail for Macedonia. But so often, in our churches we gasp at the dreams of others, then dismiss them. “Dreamers,” we say derisively. Or our characteristic knee-jerk reaction when someone proposes anything that seems too great or too far out is to ask, “How much will it cost?” Shouldn’t we first judge the desirability and validity of a vision and then inquire about its cost? Remember, however someone’s vision might appear to you, God may be the source of that vision. And God may want you to help make it come true. A vision is more than a wish and more than a dream. A wish can be cast aside, and a dream can merely cling to the emotions and paralyze an individual, congregation, or organization. But not so a vision. A vision is a clear picture of what God wants an individual, congregation, or organization to do. Moreover, it’s powerful enough to mobilize ample resources to make the vision come true, for God’s calling is always His enabling. A true vision originates when either a leader or a member of a church or organization discerns God’s will. It advances when the leaders communicate the vision to the workers and followers. It produces when leaders and members turn it into reality. It’s been well said, “A vision without action is only a dream!” By the way, note well that vision doesn’t arise from leaders alone. Some leaders are simply not very visionary! In fact, many leaders are not visionary! But it doesn’t matter as long as they help and support others to be visionary. Every church and Christian organization contain devout believers who are seeking God’s will for their church or organization. So it’s important to allow their vision to surface. And if the Spirit of God helps you see its wisdom, then share it with others. It’s easy to observe that without the support of the congregation or workers, visions can turn into white elephants. While visionary leaders are often right, they can also be quite wrong. For example, concerning a church’s mammoth building projects, without significant support and endorsement, the church can end up financially strapped for years. In other words, the people must come to share the vision of the one who sees it. So here’s a question for you: What vision does God have for your life…for your family….for your church…..for your organization? Are you examining it in light of the Scriptures? Once God gave you a vision or laid that particular burden on your heart, what steps have you taken since then? Have you even taken a single step towards turning that vision into reality? Remember, discerning God’s vision or dream for your life, or for your family, or for your church or organization does not end the process. Again, the vision must become a reality. And it will not become a reality until you and those workers following you freely and enthusiastically embrace the power of that corporate dream! Haven’t taken that first step once discerning God’s will and vision for your life? What better time to take it than today? MORE TOMORROW! STAY TUNED!
Posted on: Mon, 23 Sep 2013 23:40:24 +0000
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