Work Shop Responding to the Vision of God

God gives us a vision. In God's time the vision will be fulfilled. The period of time between the vision and its fulfillment is critical for the saint. It is during this period of time that we are to patiently bear our cross after the Lord.

The record of Christianity, for the most part, is that of human beings taking matters into their own hands. Denominations may commence with a vision from the Lord, but it appears that sooner or later they take matters into their own hands.

We humans find waiting for the Lord very difficult. The true Christian life is one of patiently waiting for the Lord to fulfill His promises. The believers who are following their own understanding, walking in the flesh, will always mock those who are looking to the Lord Jesus for His will in every circumstance.

We know the current "faith" and "prosperity" teachings are not from the Lord because they insist we receive the answer right now. Such an attitude is contrary to the Scriptures.

One of the most difficult tests of the entire Christian discipleship involves waiting for God when there is something we desire intensely. We always ought to give thanks to God and let our requests be made known to Him. If we do not we may suffer needlessly. But we are not to attempt to smash down the door that is hindering what we think is God's will. Once we break through that door we will find ourselves in an empty room. Had we looked around we probably would have seen another door that was open just a crack. The Kingdom of God is always associated with patience. God is patient. Christ is patient. And we are predestined to be in Their image.

Primary Scriptures

If we will guard the word of Christ's patience He will guard us throughout the hour of temptation that is approaching.

By standing firm you will gain life. (Luke 21 19)

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; (Romans 5:3)

Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. (Revelation 3:10)

This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. (Revelation 14:12)

Essential Points of Emphasis

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. What we hope for is the fulfillment of the vision. What is not seen is the fulfillment of the vision. So we are to patiently wait for God to do what He has promised.

Suggested References

Attaining the Inheritance; Led by the Spirit; Using Your Imagination the Right Way

Follow up Activities

Answer Review Questions for this topic. 8

List additional Scriptures which support this concept.

Summarize this topic in your own words in one paragraph.

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