This week I was offered a job that would bring in a much-needed steady income and would also use my teaching gifts. But there were other things I needed to consider. One was the calling God had placed on my life that I was becoming more aware of through the leading of the Holy Spirit; a calling that would be impacted if I said yes to this job. But God knew this offer was coming my way and purposely brought timely spiritual guidance through His word and His servants. They, along with the Holy Spirit, were confirming the vision of what I was called to do before this offer was presented to me.

In Acts 26:19, we see Paul speak of the heavenly vision for his life. Paul stood before King Agrippa and shared his testimony about how Jesus divinely intervened in his life to transform him from a persecutor of Christians to a servant and witness of the Gospel. But Paul had a choice as indicated by his words “I obeyed that vision from heaven.” The text could have said ‘I disobeyed that vision from heaven’ if Paul had chosen otherwise. But because he obeyed the vision, Paul fulfilled the call on his life as stated in the preceding verses of Acts 26:16-18.

God had a work for Paul to do; a calling on his life to be ‘His servant, His witness, His helper to open the eyes of others from darkness to light, from Satan to God that they may receive forgiveness and find a place in the kingdom of God’ (Acts 26:16-18). A calling that also applies to us today as we continue the work of being God’s servants, witnesses and helpers across the global community. Going back to that job offer, I realized as much as it sounded good, I needed to be mindful of the very real possibility that the work would extend past knock-off time, into evenings and weekends. This would impact my ability to be flexible and available for the ministry God had called me to. The question in front of me was: ‘Will I protect the vision God had given me for my life?’

All of us will be confronted with opportunities (including some amazing ones) throughout our lives that will either line up with the plan God has for us or distract us from it. With the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit, we can remain obedient to God’s vision for our lives. To show us whether it’s a moment to say yes or a time to graciously decline because we believe that God’s plan for us is best. May we be like Paul and be obedient to the heavenly vision God has for each of us. And may we do all we can to protect the call on our lives to go forth as His hands, His feet, His messengers.