HAVE YOU CAUGHT THE VISION?
One day, while riding down the Damascus Road, the Apostle Paul received a vision from God that changed his entire life — his purpose, his plans, his nature, even his name. In this vision, God told Paul…
…Rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which though hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. (Acts 26:16-18)
God gave Paul a vision of the souls of multitudes of Gentile people. (The term Gentiles refers to everyone who is not a Jew, so it means Paul was called to minister to all other nations of the world.)
When God gives you a vision He also provides spiritual and practical strategies for fulfilling it. God gave Paul objectives — a step by step plan — for ministering to the Gentile nations in order to fulfil his vision. Paul was to…
…Open their spiritual eyes from darkness to light.
…Turn them from the power of Satan to God.
…Lead them to forgiveness of sins.
…Reveal their spiritual inheritance made possible by faith (Acts 26:16-18).
Paul’s vision became the central focus of his life. It was the force that compelled him to endure hardship, persecution, discouragement, shipwreck, and physical abuse. It motivated his writing. It directed his travels. It dictated his lifestyle.
Paul always remained true to his God-given vision. Despite discouragement, rejection, and persecution, he never lost his focus. God raised him up to be one of the greatest leaders in New Testament times and his ministry is still impacting multitudes through the tremendous books he authored under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Near the end of his life, the Apostle Paul was able to reflect back over his ministry and declare, “I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19).
God is looking for men and women of vision. Joshua was able to lead Israel into the Promised Land because he had seen it 40 years earlier. He had caught the vision. Have you caught the vision of all God wants to do in and through you?
Make this declaration:
I will remain true to the vision God gives me. I will not be disobedient unto the heavenly vision.
