Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp
Or what’s a heaven for? (1)

Ah, Oswald, how you prick my heart! Anyone who knows me knows that Oswald Chambers is on my list of top 10 heroes – it (the list) changes periodically as I study and read and get to know people – most of whom are dead since most are from the Bible – save and except Francine Rivers (that’s for another time!)

Oswald Chamber’s  “My Utmost for His Highest” has been on my daily reading list for 20+ years.  And it was, once again, his words that encouraged me to search the scriptures.

I digress (must be dreaming dreams instead of having visions).  Because - VISIONS – that’s what’s been on my heart.  

As  I read Oswald, I recognized myself as often being one with “idealistic principles.”  My prayer for many years has been to KNOW God and have cried out, “I believe – Help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24}

God has answered that prayer.

Actually knowing God is much different than forming one’s own opinion of who God is and having idealistic principles.  

There have been many instances in my life and in the lives of those I love that hurt unbearably and that I didn’t understand – and would have changed had I the power to do so. But in answer to my prayer to KNOW Him, God always convinced my heart that He is in control, seeing to the end of the road. And I am as a little child holding His hand while seeing only kneecaps in a sea of people.

As long as I hold on and trust Him, He will guide me through.  

“For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

He has held my hand through a lot – so my trust has grown…

And now I want VISION:  seems so foreign to my mindset. I’m a no-nonsense, logical, hard-core common sense kind of girl.  If my “reach exceeds my grasp,” I get up and walk around the table to get it.  Seriously, I often make myself stretch to pick something up rather than get up to get it.

I don’t think it’s as silly as it sounds. It’s more my identity:  cautious to a fault; missing much of the beauty outside when walking because I’m looking down to make sure there’s nothing to stumble over; studying and reading a subject ad nauseam so I won’t make a mistake once (if) I start.

VISION:  so now that I fall into the category of “old”  – my prayer is for VISION!  

“Old men will dream dreams and young men will have visions” (Guess it includes women) Acts 2:17

I so admire – and encourage – those who “dare greatly.”  I can even live vicariously through those closest to me that have, not only vision, but the courage and faithfulness to act on it.

“Where there is no vision, the people will perish.” Proverbs 29:18

“The Lord…doesn’t want any to perish…” 2 Peter 3:9

That’s the motivation behind spiritual vision!  

Helping people not to perish or even falter – but live in God’s will. And like everything, it’s often rocky and there’s a temptation to abandon it.  But God’s Spirit will enable and empower what is inspired by God Himself.  

See how good I am at encouraging!  Now, to hear it with my own ears and hide it in my heart.

As one ages and knows there’s more time behind you than ahead – that should read, “As I age, I know there’s more time behind me than ahead” – I wonder if it’s too late to pray for VISION and  truly “expect God to do greater things than He’s ever done before…and have a freshness and vitality in my spiritual outlook.” (2)

I hope not.  “I believe – Help my unbelief.”

(1) And (2) “My Utmost For His Highest” by Oswald Chambers