YOUR PARTICIPATION IS REQUIRED IN GOD’S VISION

“Then the Lord answered me and said: ‘Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.  Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”—Habakkuk 2:2-3

 

I am persuaded that many of our goals and dreams fail simply because we place limitations --boundaries upon ourselves. This is true for the church as well—Christ’s command to share the gospel is an example of the vision that He gave to the church, “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them.  When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.  And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” (Matthew 28:16-20).

 

Jesus gave us the vision to tell all nations about His salvation, and as His followers, we should make this our aim.  Many Christians, however, are not working to fulfill this “Great Commission”—at least not fervently and purposefully.  Are you working to fulfill the vision that God has given to you?  Often, what holds us back are the boundaries we place upon ourselves.

Fear is one of the biggest self-erected barriers to success.  For instance, if evangelizing means traveling overseas, lack of safety might worry us.  We may also feel concern about how family and friends will react to our decision and whether people will react negatively to our message.

Another hindrance might be conditional obedience—that is, a willingness to serve as long as God keeps us in a particular location or has us minister in a country where we do not have to learn a new language.  And some people make the inconvenience of spending money, time, or effort into an obstacle that prevents service to the Lord.

There are many barriers that can keep us from sharing the gospel and fulfilling the vision that God has given.   But when we are willing to tear those down, we will be amazed at what God can accomplish through us.

Are you passionately sharing the gospel and fulfilling God’s vision?   If not, identify the boundaries that stand in your way, and pray for forgiveness.  Refocus by reading the Word and remembering the vision that Jesus gave you.   God’s love covers the whole world, and He therefore intends that everyone hear the good news and He wants your participation.

Father—I thank You for the vision that You have given to me.  I ask You to forgive me for placing boundaries, the restrictions on what You gave me to do.  I ask You to help me in fulfilling your dreams and desires for my life and ministry, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.