Your Heavenly Vision
Hiscoming
Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all
the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and
turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Acts 26:19-20
Paul's life was changed by a vision. When Jesus appeared to him as he
approached Damascus on a mission to persecute Christians, he was transformed
from a persecutor to an apostle.
To help Paul understand this vision, Jesus sent Ananias to explain
that he was "a chosen instrument" who would "bear My name before the
Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel" (Acts 9:15). Paul also needed to
be prepared for difficulties and for "how much he must suffer for My name's
sake" (Acts 9:16).
Paul never forgot this vision. Wherever he went, its message was a
constant reminder of God's call to ministry. By focusing on his "heavenly
vision," Paul maintained the consistency of his message. He demonstrated
that he wasn't motivated by changing circumstances or the reactions of
people, but by his personal obedience to God. He spent his life going
wherever the Lord called him to go-to anyone, anywhere. By staying faithful
to the vision, he could have boldness, confidence, and clarity.
This message applies to each of us who has received Jesus as our Lord
and Savior. We all, in our own personal way, have received a vision from
God. We've been given a personal call and specific assignment. We've been
assigned special places to go and special things to do. And God equips us in
specific ways to accomplish these assignments.
Today, remember God's call on your life. Don't be disobedient to your
"heavenly vision." Dedicate yourself to finishing your task, running your
race, and winning the prize set before you.
Pray.
Father, thank You that You have a great plan for my life. Help me to focus
on understanding and completing this assignment. I dedicate my life to
serving You. In Jesus' name. Amen.