8.11.11 "Who Will Carry the Vision?"

"Who Will Carry the Vision?"

Nehemiah 1:1-3:14
I Corinthians 7:1-19
Psalm 31:19-24
Proverbs 21:4

I've read the book of Nehemiah several times in my life, and always thought it was a good story. A while back, a Christian leader & friend who I really look up to gave me a copy of "Vision of the Leader" by Bruce Wilkinson. I've quoted or referred to it quite a bit in bast devos. It is one of the most impacting leadership teachings I've ever gone through. It teaches about the process of vision development by walking through the book of Nehemiah. It's all so good, i want to go through the whole thing in this DEVO, but I'll hold back.

What really strikes me is what it takes to carry a vision given by God. We know that to Live the DREAM is to live the balanced Christian life, but we also have a dream that God has given us. A vision of what he wants us to do, or a plan that burns in our heart that he wants us to be a part of. Each of us has a seed of vision that is unique. For one, it's a huge change the world type of million dollar dream, and for another it's a desire to organize the church library. Because we're human, we tend to qualify one dream over another. That's not God's way. His desire is that we give birth to whatever dream he has put in our heart, and walk in obedience to His call and direction.

There are many who think they don't have a dream, and it's probably not true. More than likely, the situation is that these individuals don't realize they carry a burden, or a desire that is actually the seed of the vision God has for them. Jeremiah 29:11 applies to all of us. God has plans for each one of us.

So what's it take to carry a vision given by God? Nehemiah goes through so many steps in walking in obedience to the vision God gives him, it would take too long to go through them all, but I want to hit a few that we can apply to our lives.

1. Heart for the need. How many times do we say, or hear someone say, "there's a need, and someone should do something about it." Then nothing happens. To carry through on a vision, there must be an intentional attachment. Wilkinson calls it a "Bonding" to the need. The need in the book of Nehemiah was that the walls of Jerusalem needed to be rebuilt. First, Nehemiah investigated the need by asking the status, and then "Bonds" to the need in 1:4 "when I heard this, I sat down and cried.... I spent the time in prayer to the God of heaven."

2. Acceptance of where God has placed you. At the end of the first chapter Nehemiah says, "I was the king's cupbearer." What difference could a cupbearer make? Too often that's the way we think. "I could change the world if only ..." So many times we don't follow through on the vision God has given us because we excuse ourselves because of our status. "I'm only..." "If only we had more money..." "If only I had a different job..." God's will for your life is to be accomplished not "in spite" of where you are, but BECAUSE of where you are. Esther knew that she was placed in her position "for such a time as this". So are you! You have no idea the impact you could make, so get rid of the excuse, and walk in obedience!

3. Acceptance of God's timing. There are several instances throughout these chapters that Nehemiah waits for God's timing. The first is represented at the beginning of Chapter 2. It says "four months later". Remember, he had wept and prayed and this must have gone on for months! That's so unlike our human nature. If our dream doesn't happen to us right away, we give up. we lose the passion, we don't stick it out. Later Nehemiah waits for God's timing to reveal his plan to the people. There is a strength and maturity that develops as we wait for God to open doors. Too many times we do catch a glimpse of the vision or dream God has for us, and we go around trying to kick doors open instead of waiting for him to complete his work.

4. Acceptance of God appointed authority. This is one of the biggest things i think people struggle with. Too many see those in authority over them as an obstacle to the dream instead of a necessary part of the process. In Nehemiah's prayer in chapter 1 he prays that God will move on the heart of the king. In chapter 2 he is reverent to the king, and honors the kings position, and moves only when given permission. If we get resistance from our authority, we do everything from complaining, to rebuking satan, to rebelling and going against instruction. In every circumstance God is using your authorities to mold you into what he needs you to be to carry out the vision. One thing is for certain. It is not God's plan for you to carry out his vision with a heart of rebellion. His blessing will not be on that.

5. Complete dependance on God. Throughout the book of Nehemiah, he acknowledges that this is not his vision. It's a vision that has been given by God. He is dependent in prayer, and trusts in the strength of God. Verse 2:20 says, "...the God of heaven will help us, and we, his servants, will rebuild this wall..." He knows where his strength comes from.

6. Endurance. Nehemiah faces many challenges. He is accused of rebellion, opposed by others, and yet he sticks it out. A question I ask my self on a regular basis is, "How 'expensive' is the vision?" If it's worth nothing, it wont take much for me to walk away from it. If I know it's from God, I will go through anything to walk in obedience. Too many times we don't realize the value of the vision, and we trade it for a bowl of soup, or quick gratification, or the easy road. If it's of value, (and it always is!) it is going to cost you something. It will cost you your comfort zone and more. But it's worth it.

Seek God for his vision and direction for your life, and know that your dream is going to be accomplished as you Live the DREAM and mature in the Balanced Christian Life. No matter how small your dream seems, it will change the world for someone.

Will you carry the vision?



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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