How to discover your vision (2)

Paul believed he was doing God’s will by imprisoning and killing Christians. And when he discovered his true calling, it was in a dramatic way. “As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ So he, trembling and astonished, said, ‘Lord, what do You want me to do?’ Then the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do’” (vv. 3-6 NKJV). That day his ministry began—one that was destined to change the world! And as his life neared its end, he could say, “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19 NKJV). Your vision must not be born out of your need to impress others or be like them. You’re called to do God’s will, not your own or someone else’s. The Bible says, “Ephraim [was] oppressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked by human precept” (Hosea 5:11 NKJV). Your vision must be the result of divine guidance and not “human precept.” You must be able to pray, “Lord, You gave me this vision, and I’m trusting You to provide what I need.” The apostle John writes, “This is the confidence…we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14 NKJV).