Wisdom encourages me to ask for vision. God provides.
Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Uncertainty puts me in danger, danger of allowing my very fertile imagination to create the answer to a problem outside of the wisdom and plan of God. I realize that pathway can become prophetic should I act and follow it. Indeed, the Holy Spirit warns that my thinking and imagination could lead me down a less productive and fulfilling path. I choose to turn back.
Paul talks about his vision of Christ in II Corinthians 12 as evidence that his teaching and preaching should be respected and followed by the church at Corinth. Indeed, the Book of Revelation gives a glimpse into what he saw and enlightens those who study the Word of God about the future. So, asking for a new and godly vision for my life’s pathway seemed the answer, and it was.
Professionally, I use my imagination to create stories. My next book is a collection of stories that spring to mind after I see especially poignant movies. Personally, that same tool becomes a weapon for either good or bad; neutrality seems elusive. Walking down the dangerous side led me to consider a potential professional relationship. After observing and investigating, I realized that offering to help someone write a book could lead to a life that would draw me away from the intimate relationship with God that has sustained me for more than 40 years. Contemplating the results of that change halts me in my tracks.
Instead, I cried out to the Lord for a vision of what He has in mind for me, and the vision that came is sweet and satisfying.
Would God have allowed me to pursue the creative path that could lead me away from Him? We have freedom of choice with Him; the Holy Spirit allows us to act as we see fit. Perhaps I would have seen the coming danger eventually. But I suspect succeeding in starting the project and working to finish it would have displaced me from the daily intimacy I share with the Lord gradually. Thus, the full repercussions of the choice would have been hidden in busyness and newness of situation. I am so grateful I saw the truth in time to avoid the pathway straying away from God’s protection.
So instead in my journal now resides of description of what I saw of my future – not complete, hazy in actual situation, but clear in intent. And it is so much better for my sake, His name’s sake, and the sake of the kingdom than my choice.
Habakkuk 2:3-4 And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by. For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day. Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
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