Make Room for God’s Vision

There is nothing greater than doing what God has called you to do.  For many of us, we have a pretty good idea about what that is in many areas of our lives.  For parents, raising godly children and having a harmonious family is so important.  For couples, having a marriage that is loving and enduring is the goal.  For Christians, following the leading of the Holy Spirit is something God has called us all to do.  All too often, we get sidetracked from these goals by everyday life.

Today’s Scripture

So I sent messengers to them, saying, "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?" - Nehemiah 6:3 (NASB)

Nehemiah has temporarily returned to Jerusalem from Persia to lead the rebuilding of the wall around the city.  He is very focused on his job and had directed the families to each work on the section of the wall in front for their houses.  During the time of the rebuilding, he is approached five times to come down and meet with his enemies.  Each time he replied with the same response.  “I am carrying on a great project and I cannot come down.”

Right Now Media

Andy Stanley in his teaching on Discovering God’s Will talks about having a big picture vision for the various areas of your life.  He teaches that as we focus on the vision for each area of our lives, we can eliminate things that would distract us from accomplishing the vision God has given us.

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Tip from Melisa

When you find yourself in a place where you recognize that you have encountered options that affect the decisions you make regarding the vision for your family, your marriage, your career, or for following God, adopt the mantra of Nehemiah, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.”  This simple practice of not being distracted from the goal/vision will help make sure that you stay on track to becoming what God has called you to be.

Study Suggestions

Can I encourage you to do three simple things?

1. Pray that God would give you a vision for the key areas of your life.  
2. Write it down.  It could be a simple sentence or a paragraph.  Here is the bullseye for what God is calling us to do.  When our kids are grown, we want them to want to be with us.  Over time, in the years to come, it will change; God will add some things, some things will be taken out.  It will become more refined.
3. Act accordingly.  Anything that moves you toward the vision is a “yes” and anything that moves you away from the vision is a “no.”