Vision Vs. Provision

Reposted from Monday, August 7, 2006

Well, the past week or so God has really laid on my heart the fact that so many times we think He isn't working in something or doesn't want us to pursue something because He hasn't already provided the means to do whatever it is we're considering. I know that's how I've done things so many times..."the money wasn't there so it must not have been His will" or "if this is what God wants He'll make it obvious to me." I was reading in 1 Samuel 14 about Jonathan's victory over the Philistines. Have you ever read it? He tells his armour bearer, "Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumsised; PERHAPS the Lord will work for us..." (NASB, italics mine). Jonathan and his servant went to the enemies camp by themselves (and by the way, the armour bearer wouldn't have his own armour) and Jonathan basically said, "Maybe God will show up." He didn't wait for the provision from God before he went. He didn't receive a vision from the Lord and then go...he just went. God did provide a victory for the two of them, but Jonathan didn't know if He would or not.
Basically, I just want to encourage my fellow followers of The Way to just step out and do something for the cause of Christ. Maybe God will bless your efforts; maybe He won't and you'll fail, but at least you'll fail attempting to further the greatest cause ever known--"...the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:25b). Stop waiting for the Provision. God has given you a vision...act on it.
Amen and Amen.