Vision: The One Year Anniversary

Usually when I speak of VISION it is related to the work of the church. I am so passionate about the church completing the vision God has set forth. Many churches will entertain a vision but fail to implement. Others will struggle to adjust to the vision God has revealed for them. I fully believe that God's vision for the church is wrapped around the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. The church is to go at all cost to all people possible with the good news of the Gospel. Abandoned visions are truly the grave-markers of the church!

In this blog I want to talk about what God has been doing in me over this past year. The first of November, 2018, I suffered a stroke that affected my right side. While I did recover, I was given some very important warnings. As my children were at my bedside, the doctors filled me in on what had happened, tests results, and their advice for the future. Stress was the major cause of my stroke. My blood pressure rose sharply and the stroke occurred. Earlier that day I had visited my doctor as I was not feeling very well. After an ekg I was sent home with an appointment for a stress test the next week. About an hour after I arrived home, the doctor called and said she had conferred with a cardiologist and they both wanted me to go to the ER immediately. I did and within the hour of being in the ER, my stroke occurred. Praise the Lord for the insight of these doctors!

In the hospital with my children around me, the doctors said that I had to make a major change in my life because I was on the road for a major stroke to happen. A stroke that could be very difficult to recover fully from. This got my attention. I told the doctors I could retire at the end of the year. They frowned and stated that I wasn't listening to them. So I said I would preach the coming Sunday and then resign. The frowns grew more intense. They shared their concern that I could have a major stroke in the pulpit. So, my oldest son and daughter presented my resignation the following Sunday as I sat at home heartbroken.

I had been serving in the local church for 40 years. My whole life was the church. And now I wasn't sure what the future held. The vision was gone. What made this so devastating to me was that the source of my stress was from adversaries within the church. While I will not go into detail, it is important to know that not only were my wife and I surprised and what had been said and done by a few, but we were deeply hurt and disappointed in some that we trusted and worked with. "Why" is always the first question which is followed by "what now?"

I did decide to pull away and refrain from giving the devil the opportunity to use me. I made no comments, had no meetings, and did nothing to "get back" at individuals who were a part of such. I was quiet. It's true that I heard a whole lot that was being said but I decided to remain quiet and trust in the Lord.

I am sharing this after a year of searching and praying as well as recovering. I had lost the vision of what God wanted to do with my life. I felt at times it had been stolen by my adversaries. I have learned a few things about vision and the Lord this past year:
1. God doesn't forget you and His love for you doesn't diminish.
2. God doesn't waste a hurt or a tear.
3. God will take care of you.
4. God will provide ministry opportunities beyond your imagination.
5. Criticisms and gossip will continue, but pay no attention for it is of the devil.
6. There is much evil in the world BUT we have victory in Jesus!
7. Leave revenge to the Lord.
8. Growth happens through hurts.
9. God provides a tremendous future as you learn in the valleys.
10. I am more ready for tomorrow because of today.

There are many more lessons I have learned. What I have learned about vision and the individual is that God is very personal concerning His vision for your life. He wants you to be effective in serving Him each and every day. His vision for your life is so much more important than other people's opinions. I have been able to serve more effectively in many more areas now. God has opened so many doors for me to preach and teach to many more people. God isn't finished with me yet!

I want to encourage you if you have been hurt by the church or other Christians. Don't give up on God. Don't run away from Him or His plan for you. You may need to find a new church home that you can invest in and grow. Keep your face on Jesus and your eyes in the Bible. God WILL speak to you through His Word! Don't listen to those who try to hurt or tear down what God is doing. Leave revenge to the Lord and move forward. Pray that the Lord will bring people into your life that will encourage you in the faith and walk with you in grace.

I pray that you will see that God is in control and HE still has an awesome vision for your life!

From the Heart,
Pastor BR