The Heavenly Vision: Acts 26 (Faithfulness)

Read Galatians 5:22-23:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

Are you ready to make an investment in the Fruit of Faithfulness?

Read Acts 26:12-19:

Paul Defends Himself Before King Agrippa

"On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

“Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’

“ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

“So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven

Select 'Successful' when you are finished.

Describe the most powerful encounter you have had with God. Be specific.

Write your answer in the space provided.

Go to 'DOCUMENTS' and read Oswald Chambers' comments on Acts 26:19.

Select 'Successful' when you are finished.

Oswald states:

"If we lose “the heavenly vision” God has given us, we alone are responsible— not God. We lose the vision because of our own lack of spiritual growth. If we do not apply our beliefs about God to the issues of everyday life, the vision God has given us will never be fulfilled."

Do you agree with his observation?

Oswald continues:

"The only way to be obedient to “the heavenly vision” is to give our utmost for His highest— our best for His glory. This can be accomplished only when we make a determination to continually remember God’s vision. But the acid test is obedience to the vision in the details of our everyday life— sixty seconds out of every minute, and sixty minutes out of every hour, not just during times of personal prayer or public meetings."

In all honesty, how much importance do you place on being obedient to the vision God has given you?

Oswald claims:

“Though it tarries, wait for it...” (Habakkuk 2:3). We cannot bring the vision to fulfillment through our own efforts, but must live under its inspiration until it fulfills itself. We try to be so practical that we forget the vision."

How much does the last sentence apply to you?

Oswald continues:

"At the very beginning we saw the vision but did not wait for it. We rushed off to do our practical work, and once the vision was fulfilled we could no longer even see it. Waiting for a vision that “tarries” is the true test of our faithfulness to God. It is at the risk of our own soul’s welfare that we get caught up in practical busy-work, only to miss the fulfillment of the vision."

Regarding placing practical matters before God's vision, is there anything you would like to repent of (express your sorrow)?

If so, you can do so privately, or in the space provided.

Oswald states:

"Watch for the storms of God. The only way God plants His saints is through the whirlwind of His storms. Will you be proven to be an empty pod with no seed inside? That will depend on whether or not you are actually living in the light of the vision you have seen."

How confidant are you that you can, if you set your mind to it, improve your ability to live in the light of the heavenly vision?

Oswald adds:

"Let God send you out through His storm, and don’t go until He does. If you select your own spot to be planted, you will prove yourself to be an unproductive, empty pod. However, if you allow God to plant you, you will “bear much fruit” (John 15:8)."

How do you imagine God will use His storms (not those you bring about yourself) to eventually bring you to the place of bearing 'much fruit' for His Kingdom? Be specific.

Oswald concludes:

It is essential that we live and “walk in the light” of God’s vision for us (1 John 1:7)."

Go back to Step 3 and read your description of your vision.

Are you willing to recommit yourself, right now, to live and walk in the light of God's vision for you?

If you answered 'Yes', choose one courageous action you can do to put your commitment into immediate motion.

Write your answer in space provide.

How much has this Trail helped to increase your current level of faith?