Too often, God’s beloved tend to develop a vision or purpose that is self-created, rather than submitting to God’s divine purpose. Jesus warns in Matthew 17:13 that “...broad is the way that leads to destruction...” Neglecting God’s vision or purpose can put one on the wrong tracks, moving in the wrong direction. This will produce a life without restraints, scattered direction, and aimless wandering. For example, recall the Prophet Jonah. Jonah intentionally neglected God’s purpose for him to go preach in Nineveh. Trying to avoid God, he wound up in a storm and ultimately in the belly of a fish. Ironically, he ended up further from his own self-created purpose, needing God more than ever. After three days, the fish spit him up. Only then, after sitting in fish saliva for three days, did Jonah submit to God’s purpose. Ultimately, Jonah led Nineveh to repentance and God relented from bringing disaster (Jonah 3).    

Further, once heading in the wrong direction, everyday decisions can become more unclear and difficult. Despite the confusion, choices made today can still impact generations to come. Others - whether it be children or coworkers - are watching. Part of God’s divine purpose for his beloved may be to influence, comfort, or encourage others. In Acts 7, Stephen was stoned to death for serving Jesus. As the council stood condemning Stephen, they saw that he had “the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). A young man who witnessed the stoning named Saul was certainly influenced. That same Saul would later become Paul the Apostle, who would go on to glorify Jesus by writing the majority of the books in the New Testament.     

Without God's purpose, there is only darkness and confusion. Thankfully, God provided Jesus. John 8:12 Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” Jesus is the purpose.

Querido Padre Celestial,

I admit that I lack a vision for my assignment as Your servant. I ask that You give me the vision for which I was designed and lead me in fulfilling my role in Your army of believers. As the song says, “Use me, Lord, please don’t refuse me; surely there’s a work I can do.” As You give me the vision, I ask for the wisdom, the courage, and the boldness to step into the call. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Habakkuk 2:1 states, “The Lord answered me, ‘Write the vision; make it plain’” It goes on to say in verse 3, “If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come and not delay.” Seek God and ask for your appointed vision today. As He reveals it to you, write it down and read and pray over it daily, as you seek His guidance.