August 31: VISION

See it:

One day Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “Come on, let’s go over to where the Philistines have their outpost.” But Jonathan did not tell his father what he was doing. 1 Samuel 14:1 (NLT)

Obey it:

Suppose for a moment that you are Jonathan. If you had a plan to attack the enemy, wouldn’t the logical choice for sharing that valuable information be the king, who is also your father? Yet, Jonathan chose not to share his plan. Be careful with whom you share your vision. Why careful?

1.      Some will get upset. They don’t like the fact that it wasn’t their idea.

2.      Some will oppose it. They don’t like the fact that it wasn’t them who was chosen.

3.      Some will laugh at it. They see silliness where you see success.

4.      Some will question it. They say, “Are you sure?” and not, “How can I help you?”

Here is some practical advice. Once you are convinced that God has in fact given you a vision, when someone comes to give you all of the reasons why it won’t work, you can take criticism in stride. Don’t discount criticism altogether. It can be the sandpaper that can polish the work of art God and you are building. At the same time, don’t let criticism stop progress. Whatever God blesses the devil attacks. While you don’t want to be reckless, and irresponsible with your decisions going forward, you do want to step out in faith. Most great inventions, as well as almost every great accomplishment had two things in common:

1.      Was conceived by a visionary.

2.      Was opposed or dismissed by many.
So march ahead and serve your community in Jesus’ name.

Share it:
1. Visit a senior center or nursing home.
2. Say “thank you” for the otherwise routine, mundane.
3. Pick up trash.

My prayer today:
Father, I have a passion to serve my community but sometimes I run into opposition from people inside and outside of my church. Help me to see what You see and continue. Amen.

Season of Service