In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul instructs his spiritual son Timothy with the following words, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” His strong admonition for Timothy was for him to deliberately walk out his calling and God-given vision with faithfulness among the church and people of Ephesus. Despite the challenges that faced him, his embraced commission from God was a catalyst for Timothy’s ultimate spiritual success.
When it comes to accomplishing something for God, it is not enough to just have a desire or potential. History is full of those who “could have” done something mighty for the Lord, however it never happened. Their mandate was aborted due to distractions, detours and dead ends.
The difference between experiencing a longing to impact history and eternity for the Lord and doing it is the willingness to deliberately give oneself to the calling and vision that God has birthed in their heart, despite what that costs them or where it takes them.
As in Nehemiah’s life, in our current world, true vision from God always takes us beyond our own abilities and strengths and in turn causes us to realize that we need God in our midst to perform His vision in our lives. As with Nehemiah, even when there is great resistance, a God-birthed vision is worth the battle every time!
5 Keys to Walking Out a God-Birthed Vision
1. A God-birthed vision will establish roots in the life of a believer and/or community of believers.
2. A vision from God, if embraced, will produce longevity (perseverance).
3. A vision from God will develop a fertile/reproductive environment.
4. Authentic vision birthed by God will not die with the originator of the vision; real vision is generational.
5. True vision from God is contingent on God’s Word and not upon circumstances, challenges or even the response of individuals.
Listen to this episode of Maintain the Flame on Charisma Podcast Network to hear more on this topic. {eoa}
Keith Collins is the founder of Generation Impact Ministries and Impact Global Fellowship. He is actively involved in itinerant ministry, teaching and writing. In recent years, Keith served as the president of the Brownsville Revival School of Ministry and as the director of FIRE School of Ministry, which were both born out of the Brownsville Revival in Pensacola, Florida. His recent book, Samuels Arising: Waking Up to God’s Prophetic Call, is now available on Amazon, and his podcast, titled Maintain the Flame, can be heard on iTunes and at cpnshows.com. You can contact Keith via his websites at keith-collins.org or impactgf.org.
