What happens if the dream or vision God has placed in our hearts
faces a setback? It seems as if we have come face-to-face with a brick wall.
Sometimes we get discouraged that we’re not moving any
closer to the vision God has placed in our heart. We may even think of
giving it up.
However, if a vision seems slow in materialising, wait patiently; for it will surely
take place (Habakkuk 2:3).
William Carey, who had a vision for lost souls, faced this
predicament. After labouring many years in India, his printing establishment
and manuscripts were destroyed by fire. But he persevered. Later, this
self-educated cobbler translated and printed God’s Word into 40 different
languages and dialects. If Carey lacked the faith or patience to cling on to the vision God gave him, he would not have seen
the fruits of his labour.
And we desire
that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope
until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but
imitate those who through faith and
patience inherit the promises.
(Hebrews
6:11-12).
Wait on the Lord,
And keep His way,
And He shall exalt you to inherit the land.
(Psalm 37:34).
And keep His way,
And He shall exalt you to inherit the land.
(Psalm 37:34).
Yes, faith and
patience are needed if we are to possess the Promised Land, if we are to come
into the fullness of the inheritance God has in store for us.
But we also have to ask ourselves: “Have I heard God correctly? Is it God’s will indeed,
for example, for me to leave my job and go to China to teach? Have I sought the
counsel of my church leaders or trusted friends? Have I rushed through the decision-making
process? Is it like a ‘spur of the moment’ thing after I was challenged by
someone? Have I waited over a period of time for God to confirm what I thought
was a clear leading from Him?
When God gives us a wide door of opportunity, it does not necessarily mean we are on easy street. “For a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries” (1 Corinthians 16:9). There will be critics and naysayers and, of course, the devil would not let us rest easy. “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).
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