In Acts 26:19, Paul is telling his story to King Agrippa and says, "I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven." Paul is speaking of his conversion to Christianity due to the Lord Jesus appearing to him on the Road to Damascus. As a result of this encounter Paul began preaching the Gospel message about Jesus to anyone who would listen and many came to believe in our Lord and Savior as a result. Paul's experience was a dramatic event that convinced him about the truth of Jesus—who he truly is and what he did for us on the cross. The result was a complete and total change in Paul. As you read the Bible account of this it appears that Paul did not even look back at his old life but rather fully embraced his new life which included the vision of being the Apostle to the Gentiles.
You may not have had the Damascus Road experience that Paul had but God places a vision in each of us. God has a purpose and plan for each of us. There are things he wants me to do today. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, "for I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." God has good things planned for us, "plans to give you hope and a future." I believe a purpose is included in that plan. God has a purpose for you. God has given you skills and abilities and expects you to use them for His glory. God has a vision for you, to order your steps and give you focus.
Like Paul, we have a choice to be obedient to the vision from heaven or to walk our own path. The way along God's path for you will probably not be the path of least resistance You will face trials and temptations and even some of Satan's roadblocks along the way designed to trip you up and make you question God's vision for your life. In the end will you be able to say, like Paul, "I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven."
I encourage you to spend some time today thinking and praying about God's vision in you. Are you living the vision? Are you faithfully following the path? Do you have a good understanding about God's vision in you?
I would love to hear your answers to these questions—take a moment now and leave a comment. Who know how God may use your comment to bless and encourage other believers.
Blessings,
Tim
