Without A Vision The People Perish

The three questions are: 1) What does it mean to have a vision from God? 2) How do we get a vision from God? 3) Once God gives us a vision -- then what? Let's begin at the beginning.

What does it mean to have a vision from God? That is a question that has been the subject of dozens of books over the past several years. There are many answers to the question but I believe the biblical answer is this: A vision from God reflects the heart of the Father for His children instead of reflecting what I would desire for myself and others. Let me give you an example.

I might desire for my children to be successful, to have good jobs, and to enjoy life. That sounds sensible, reasonable, and rational doesn't it? Do you know that for me to have that desire and to press that upon my kids could be the most damaging thing that I could ever do to them? What if God is calling my kids to greatness? What if the Lord desires to use my children to suffer for His name's sake? That was His purpose for the Apostle Paul. What if God desires to use my children to become missionaries to a people who need to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ? Do you see how God's vision for our lives is always contradictory to our desires for our lives apart from Christ?

When God gives us a vision it will reflect His heart for His children. If we will remember that it will help us to avoid much heartache and frustration with the ways of Almighty God.

Secondly, "How do we get a vision from God?" I am frequently asked, "How did you get this vision for Britton Christian Church? What did you do in order for you to be able to become so convinced of what God was wanting to do with the people at the church?" That is really an easy answer for me and those of you who were here back when I first came here.

If you will remember back seven years ago for a few moments. I did not arrive the first day and say, "This is what we are going to do folks." What I did do was to invite anyone and everyone who felt called to join me in prayer each Sunday night. We came together and we sought the heart of God. We labored in prayer Sunday after Sunday as each Sunday we would ask the Lord, "What do you want to happen here at Britton Christian Church? Lord, what are you doing in this community?" After a period of time God began to speak to our hearts clearly about His call upon this church and our lives together as brothers and sisters serving the Risen Savior. God was calling us to be a "Lighthouse of Hope" to this community. Plain and simple.

The way that we received a vision for this church is the same way that you and I can receive a vision for our lives and our families. We need to humble ourselves before God. We need to come before Him with no agenda other than the desire to hear from Heaven. We need to labor in prayer until we hear Him speak to our hearts, and He will speak my friend. You will sense yourself becoming consumed with a burning passion to become more than you are, to do more than you have ever done, to do it with excellence instead of mediocrity, and to never be distracted by your detractors.