Obey the Vision (Acts 26)

In Acts 26 Paul tells his story to King Agrippa (by the way, Paul sure tells his story a lot, which makes me feel good, because I’m asked to share mine so much I think even God has to be bored of hearing it by now) and in it shares the vision Jesus gave him for what he’s to do:

I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

It’s been some years since Paul received that vision, and he’s now able to say, “I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.”

I’ve noticed that there are: (1) A lot of Christians who aren’t clear about what God’s called them to do in this life. I think that’s understandable. But what’s not is accepting that. If you’re not sure what God’s vision is for you – make it a priority to find out. Pray about it, a lot.

(2) A lot of Christians who are okay with being disobedient to the vision from heaven. People tell me, “I know God’s called me to start a church, but I can’t do it.” Or, “I think God wants me to come to Vegas with you, but I’m too scared.” That’s not understandable. If God’s given you a vision, that’s sacred! And we can’t treat as common something that is sacred. You need to be able to say with Paul, “I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven” – even if it costs you your life.

And I can honestly say that’s not just talk. There was no part of me that wanted to come to Vegas and start another church, but I couldn’t be disobedient to the vision from heaven.