GOD does not give everyone a vision to be a preacher or to serve (usher) in the church. If we all become pastors, sheep will become extinct.
If we all become ushers, the whole congregation would be at the door hoping that the church will receive visitors each Sunday. If we all become business men and women, selling a similar product, that would be the end of that business. Our individual visions are as diverse as there are individuals . . . there will always be that peculiar thing about us.
Characteristics of God’s vision to us
l How to recognise God’s vision.
i. Godly vision is primarily about people.
Whether it is about Abram being called out of Ur of the Chaldeans or Jonah being sent to Ninevah, the focus of God’s vision is people. Whether it be a nation, a city or a village, people are the heart of God and the centre of His vision. (God loves people man).
If you sense that God has given you a vision for business, can you locate the “people connection?” The call to businessmen can go well beyond giving to the church. God can call you to help the poor or sell commodities . . . He will help the needy people.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
ii. God’s vision always involves a place:
Now, not only does God have a home and purpose for His people, he also has a place for His people.Place may be a physical place, like the promised land for the Jews. We see Abraham asked to leave his home to seek a city whose maker is God. As believers, we certainly know how important this “place” issue is to our vision.
At the end of our vision lies not only eternal life but a place as well.
Visionaries not only have assurance of their future, but they are assured of a place.
When the prosperity of both Abraham and Lot brought fighting between the two men’s servants, look at Abram’s reaction.
Watch now the response of Abram, a visionary.
He said, “You choose, I will take whatever you leave out.” He, (Abram) had confidence on the place of issue.
He did not have to fight for land. God would lead him.
On the contrary, look at the reaction of the man without a vision and promise (Lot).
“Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan River, well watered everywhere (this was before Jehovah destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) the whole section was like the garden of Eden, or like the beautiful countryside around Zoar in Egypt.”
Visionaries do not move by natural sight, for they understand that vision is greater than sight.
Lot chose the best according to his perception. He had no idea that he would later have to flee for his life from that same place he chose for himself.
l Every vision of God has a place of issue.
God did not select himself a people and tell them to go wherever they felt like in the world.
He prepared a people and he prepared a place for them. God does not give you a vision and you are of no fixed abode, “a briefcase prophet,” there will be a place for your vision. (For us here our primary place of issue is here at harvest House International).
iii. God’s vision always draws divine provision. (Where there is vision, there is provision). God did not call Abram to go off and somehow try to make ends meet.He blessed the man!
He also promised the Jews a land flowing with milk and honey . . . Somewhere, within God’s vision for your life is His provision.Provision follows vision.
Providence does not mean money, in fact this may not be the first sign of providence, it may be the last. His first providence maybe peace and faith.
Look at some drastic things the Lord asked you to do, some 10, five, two years ago?
Peace and faith were the initial providence. He also sends people our way who give us encouragement where everything and everyone else is against us. We see along the way what I have come to call “Milestones of hope,” little confirmations that God is with you. (Of course money later).
iv. God’s vision comes with God’s protection.
God always sends us to a land filled with giants.Why would God give you a vision and send you if there were no giants in the land oppressing the people? Let us look at God’s exchange with Abram.
After Jehovah spoke to Abram in a vision, this is what he told him God’s protection does not mean that you are cushioned from every attack of the enemy. Challenges will come, wherever there is a vision.
Yet in all these, God promises us protection. Not just protection but triumph as well.
You are at your safest in God’s vision for your life. (It can be in Afghanistan, Iraq, etc).
v. The vision should never take place of God in our lives.
When the vision breaks away from God, it’s name changes, it becomes carnal ambition. It develops a power of it’s own that pushes God out of the picture. When King Saul came into power, he was so humble. On the day of his inauguration he went into hiding and had to be dragged out from among the luggage to be presented to the people. But following his first successful military campaign Israel’s enemies, he began to develop a taste of power. Soon enough he forgot that it was God had raised him up.
David on the other hand was more concerned about his relationship with God than he was with the things God had given him.
vi. Your vision will leave a legacy
At the end, how do you want to be remembered when you are gone? Are you going to be remembered as a person who ate so much sadza and run away from every challenge?
l Reconnect with your vision
Look back and see what it is you put in the back of your mind (back burner). Go to the place where you dropped the baton or batons. They may be many, they may be few. Don’t try to pick all of them up.
Select one or two which you can and will pursue.
l Colin Nyathi is a senior pastor and founder of Harvest House International Churches. email [email protected]
