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Seeking God’s vision is a process of discerning, discovering, and understanding God’s plan for us. Determining our role in God’s plan is not an easy endeavor especially in the complex world in  which we live. We begin our faith journey discovering that faithful living brings an abundant life with spiritual fulfillment. We grow in faith learning and understanding that we have a responsibility to discern our role in God’s plan…and get after it.

23 The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;

24 though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24.

We first prayerfully seek God’s wisdom to define our mission. As a small child Isaiah exhibited a keen faith and spiritual fortitude listening for God’s directive. When he heard the Lord calling he responded favorably willing to advance God’s directives. For us Here I am Lord is a great beginning. The example of thousands of years of prophets and disciples revealed that God communicates with those who humbly seek the Creator through thoughtful prayer, active listening, and with insightful and introspective discernment. We were created to do God’s will and live within His grace and blessings.

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10.

We are God’s children, His handiwork, created to do good works as intended by our Maker. Our challenge is to seek to understand our role and responsibilities of His vision and how our collective good works can shape our family, church, and community. We know that all things are possible for those who have faith in Christ. Remember St. Mark’s account of the man approaching Jesus and asking for His help in healing his son?

21 … But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:21-24.

So, our challenge is to sincerely and authentically live God’s commandments, strive to master our tendencies of doubt, and hold close a strong commitment to seek God’s vision. We know that if we knock, and humbly seek, the door will be opened. 7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.1

We live in a critical and judgmental world often illuminating the weaknesses and faults of people rather than identifying their strengths and gifts. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to build each other up celebrating the spiritual gifts, and the faithful acts as a response to God’s love. We are asked to work as a team reminded that if we venture to take bold steps to advance the ministry of Jesus, our actions are upheld and we are in the care of the Father. We do not walk this trail alone. Our churches were designed by Christ as a center of worship, service, and outreach with each congregation seeking the guidance of the Good Shephard. We come to know His voice and listen for His quiet whisper.

11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:11-12.

Our life in Christ is a place of hope, promise, and responsibility. We are the disciples of the Risen Lord Jesus. God knew each of us before we were born, and through free will, we are granted the opportunity to follow His commandments and seek His daily presence. We are asked to push back against our worldly time constraints and uncertainties establishing our faith as a true first life priority to serve the purpose of His will. In response to God’s call Isaiah responded. 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”2

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.3

What is your role in God’s plan?

Prayer: Father, hear our humble prayer for Your presence and guidance. Teach us Your ways and lead us to carry the Good News to all who are searching for the promise of peace and comfort found in the Body of Christ. Jesus, we pray for our church and the ability to advance Your sacred house of worship, service, and ministry. We make this prayer in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen.

1 Matthew 7:7-8.

2 Isaiah 6:8.

3 Here I Am Lord, by Dan Schutte, published,1981.

The Wesleyan Bridge is written by K.B. Kelly with the Reverend Valerie Mireb and Pastor Hank Brooks as Theological Editors with Debbie Kelly as Text and Content Editor.