Following A Vision

Following a Vision

I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. Acts 26:19, ESV

CAMERON TOWNSEND, THE FOUNDER of Wycliffe Bible Translators and its associated organizations, had a vision of people throughout the world reading the Bible in their own language. In Latin America, where Wycliffe got its start, that meant translating Scripture into indigenous languages, even though most people could read Spanish. He believed that a national administrative language doesn’t always speak to the heart—that having the Bible in one’s mother tongue is the greatest missionary in the world because it never goes on furlough and is never considered a foreigner. So Wycliffe spent his life following that vision of reaching linguistic minorities in their own language. He even started learning a new language at the age of seventy-two to extend his mission as long as he could.

When God gives a vision that will advance his Kingdom in this world, a promise is implied in it. He doesn’t give visions for entertainment; a response of faith is required. That response may launch a new movement, as Townsend’s did, or it may simply align us with a mission, ministry, or career field where we can bear Kingdom fruit. The size of the vision isn’t the issue, and neither is its nature or arena. The dynamics are almost always the same. God implants dreams, pictures, ambitions, goals, and desires in our hearts, and we are meant to follow them once we discern they are truly from him. And when we begin following them, we can be sure that God intends to back us every step of the way.

That doesn’t mean there will be no obstacles. Paul faced many, even though he was certain God had called him to spread the gospel among Gentiles throughout the Greek and Roman world. Townsend faced plenty, even though God blessed him with fruitfulness and resources throughout his ministry. God-given visions can draw criticism, slander, resistance, opposition, and hardship, but they can also bring remarkable breakthrough and fruitfulness in regions, systems, organizations, and individual lives. Only the eyes of faith can persevere through the obstacles to carry out the mission. In one way or another, faith brings vision into reality.

The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps—we must step up the stairs.