After looking at the many ups and downs in 2008, it brings us back to the drawing board to envision grander things. Especially after all the lessons learned. So what is next you may be wondering? What is going to be written on the next page for 2009? Especially, after looking at some of the sweet victories won in 2008. Well, where do we begin? How about looking at somethings we need to know about vision. We'll start with one thing to believe in.
Real vision requires believing God for the impossible. Vision is not vision if it isn't so BIG that it takes God to make it happen. It needs to be impossible to stretch us out of our comfort zone. It must be beyond our means in order for us to progress past the place where we are now, and make us depend on the promise that says, "...to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us," (Ephesians 3:20)
These visions require effort! There is no point in plotting goals that we know will not take to much effort to accomplish. That is actually unrealistic. Now you may be thinking that we shouldn't think too BIG because we might get down on our self if we don't make it. But I choose to disagree. And the reason is because the Bible tells us that there is much more out there for us to accomplish! Have you not heard what Jesus said? "Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)
Also, God never accuses are condemns (Romans 8:1) us or writes us off if we stumble on what looks like failure. The example is found in Peter who denied Jesus but was later repentant, restored and ready to take on new vision and ends up doing things beyond his means. He did miracles and saw them to. Did you hear about the blind beggar that was healed through him (Acts 3:6-8)? As well as the paralytic who was bedridden for eight years (Acts 9:33-43)? Or how about the angels who rescued him from prison (Acts 12:7-11). There is more but you will have to read it for yourself. I heard someone say that success is built on failures. Peter can attest to that.
And what are some of the things we can count on when taking on such a vision. Opposition. This can come in the form of cynics and pessimistic people. They are the ones who will so, "No..." and try to shut down your vision. These are the people who look at their lives and feel like such a failure and who expect everyone else to experience the same delusion they have felt.
They don't want anyone else to experience victory because they haven't had it themselves and feel so bitter that they never want anyone else to have it. These people exist to be proven wrong. And that is the great things about visionaries. They dare to belief that a greater good can happen and are willing to go for it. I just heard a statement today stating, "You'll get into allot of trouble..." It is true and Jesus mentions it but adds a little something that is often forgotten. "...In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Jesus has given us victory to overcome trouble. Jesus never shrank back from trouble so why should we? It is time to belief in overcoming it and rise above it and bring that victory into all our dreams! Visionaries don't shy way from trouble. In fact, they are counting on trouble and have calculated it in the grand scheme of things and see victory over it.
The Cynics and pessimists are the same people who will say, "No, it won't work..." to something that hasn't been attempted before. They have no basis for this statement. And when asked to offer something better, they offer nothing. They are never practical, not open to try new things or offer a better way making them unreasonable. These people even think that they are some kind of authority and seem to think they know everything. These 'authorities' need to remember, "...Do not be wise in your own opinion. " (Romans 12:15)
More later...
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