Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18
Studying the old and new testaments makes it clear that not everyone wants or seeks a vision, but many choose to live a day-by-day mundane life. It seems that only those who became leaders had any desire to look past the next crop cycle or traditional holiday.
The half million that followed Moses around and around the wilderness lost their vision of leaving Egypt for their homeland the moments the cucumbers, melons, leeks and onions ran out. Vision Change – let’s go back to slavery and familiar hardships because we understood them AND the food was better. Gracious!
David’s army’s vision was to do whatever David told them to do; try to stay alive, and maybe, someday, see David as King. Most men in the Bible tended crops or flocks. Most women prepared meals, made clothing and raised children; day-by-day-by-day. The Pharisees and Sadducees were content to sit at the temple all day, every day, discussing their beliefs with each other.
Clearly scripture indicates that God gives us ALL dreams and visions. By putting our faith in action we can make those dreams and visions a reality. Why do so many choose the “ordinary life”? There is story after story in the Bible of ordinary people doing exceptional things. Many of those stories speak of visitations by an angel, or a prophet; some even heard the voice of God. Does it take a supernatural experience for an ordinary person to step-up to the skills God placed in them at birth?
Joseph began having dreams as a boy; he was born to a life as a shepherd. When Joseph shared his dreams with his brothers, even though he didn’t understand what they meant, his brothers began to hate him; even his father scolded him. Did Moses dream of his future when he was a boy? Did King David??
What happens to people that keeps them from following the dreams and visions that God places deep inside of them as children? Why do we choose to be content with the ordinary when we have been called to be extraordinary? Are we so afraid of failure before people that we won’t take a chance at success before God?
God took Esther and saved a nation through fasting and prayer. God took Rahab and saved the spies sent by Joshua; against the direct order of the King of Jericho, also saving Rahab’s family, by clever maneuvers. God took Noah and built an ark with carpentry skills God spoke to him; skills never used before, to build something called a boat in a time when it never rained. God took Peter, an impulsive and ambitious fisherman, and built a church. Ordinary people – given a great vision.
Just imagine what would happen if we all responded to God’s dreams and visions as the boy Samuel responded to the voice of God, “Speak, for thy servant heareth.” How long did Samuel have to wait for the vision God called him to? How many years did Joseph wait for his vision and promise to come to pass? How many years did Moses wait before he was called to his position, and then again how much longer before God allowed him to find the Promised Land? How many years from the day that David was anointed with oil by the prophet Samuel before he was anointed King of Israel in Hebron? How many years have you waited?
In 1998, 12 years ago, God gave me a vision; we call it Shiloh Spiritual Growth Ministries. A year ago God gave us more of the pieces of the vision. We work daily with the portion of the vision God has allowed us to begin; we wait. We know one day God will say, “It’s time,” and our full vision will begin to unfold. What has God placed in your heart that you have been pushing aside, feeling that it is only a silly dream?
Father, help us to always hear Your voice, see Your visions and dream Your dreams. Speak, for thy servants listen.
By Linda J Humes
Written 4-25-2010
Linda J. Humes 