Divine Vision
Morning Devotion: A divine vision is not dependent upon us making something happen. It is dependent upon God making something happen. Jesus explained it to his disciples in terms of branches abiding in the vine in order to bear fruit.
To which we are tempted to respond, “Now, wait, certainly I can do something.” True. But nothing of any eternal consequence. And yet God’s vision for your life or mine is chock-full of eternal consequence.
When left to our own ingenuity, we can foul up a vision in short order. But God’s work, done in God’s way, in God’s time, is always successful. And it comes off in such a way as to point back toward the source: God. (Andy Stanley)
Reflection: Vision has never been a problem for me. As a matter of fact, one of my top five strengths in StrengthsFinder is “FUTURISTIC”, which says “People exceptionally talented in the FUTURSITIC theme are inspired by the future and what could be. They energize others with their visions of the future.” I love to dream and ponder what the future may hold.
I also have ”FOCUS” as a top five strength, which says “People exceptionally talented in the FOCUS theme can take a direction, follow through, and make the corrections necessary to stay on track. They prioritize, then act.” I love to get things done...to drive for results...to accomplish.
These two strengths have served me incredibly well trough my life. God knew exactly what He was doing when He created me. But, sometimes I absolutely feel the struggle between my Focus and God’s vision. I absolutely often find myself saying “Ok, God, I see the vision, now I’ve got this.” Right heart...wrong approach. Often when I take the wheel away from God, in relatively short time I’m begging Him to take it back because I’ve started down a road that’s not the best and I’m starting to see road signs of warning.
So, now, I’m imperfectly praying
“God, I know you’ve created me with the strength to dream for the future and a strength to drive for results and bring those dreams to life. Help me to see the steps you want me to take and not the one’s I believe are best.”
When I turn my strength of FOCUS to God’s focus, that’s when I find perfect alignment between who I am, what I’m doing, and the FUTURE I’m part of creating today.
Walking Points: Starting today, and for the next 7 days, pray this prayer with an open mind and willing heart for God to really lead and move and see what happens.
“God, I know you’ve created me for a divine vision and purpose. Help me to see the steps you want me to take today and bring me close to you so I can be in the center for the plans and calling you have for me.
Live your life of purpose with passion!
Dr. Jason