Seeing God's Vision
by Dr. Michael Youssef

Have you ever been in a museum and gazed on a painting that took your breath away? Have you ever driven across a massive bridge and been in awe that people were actually able to build it? Our world is filled with gifted people who make our world richer with their accomplishments. However, nothing can be accomplished without first existing as a vision.

We may be tempted to look at these amazing endeavors and think, "That is truly wonderful, but I am not talented. I could never fulfill a vision that big." While we may not feel qualified, worthy, or equipped, God says that we are all of these things. It is time for us to believe Him and begin to have His vision for the things He wants to accomplish through us.

The key to recognizing and fulfilling God's vision is simple - we see a need set before us and we meet that need. God has promised to give us everything we need to meet the needs around us - all we need to do is trust Him and share His vision that is focused on the glory brought to His name in the outcome.

Esther shared God's vision when she was called to approach King Xerxes on behalf of the Jewish people. In Esther 4:14, Mordecai suggests that perhaps she has, "come into royal position for such a time as this." Esther was afraid and unsure but she still stepped up and accepted God's vision for her life. At great personal risk, she met the need before her and saved God's people.

What if the artist, the architect, and the writer had no vision? What if their doubt caused them to ignore their gifts and not use them? Think of the beauty and wonder we would miss out on! What if Esther convinced herself she was not worthy of the task, or refused to carry it out for fear of the consequences? Think of the glory that would not have been brought to God. Let us take each moment, each situation, and each relationship and ask ourselves: Am I seeing this with God's vision? Who knows - perhaps God brought you to that moment "for such a time as this."

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Excerpted from My Journal, a monthly devotional magazine from Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef.

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Monday, December 15, 2008