Steven Furtick: Sun Stand Still DevotionalSample

Seize the Vision

Most nights I slip into my boys rooms after they're asleep, just barely place my right hand on their heads, and whisper: God, raise up my sons to be the greatest men of God of their generation. I tell them that I'm praying this for their lives when they're awake too. Of course they don't understand many of the implications of this. But one day they will. I'm just trying to stock their hearts with raw material that God can use to build a vision within my boys when they're older.

The point I'm trying to make has very little to do with me and my boys. It has everything to do with you and your vision: If you want to see God do something impossible in your life, you have to open your heart and mind to God's vision for your life. You have to seize it.

Joshua has been a faithful second in command for many years. But talk about having a tough act to follow. For the Hebrews, Moses was a legend in his own time - the president, chief justice, and chairman of the Joint Chiefs all rolled up in one. But now he is dead, and Joshua is next in line.

Joshua's term of office is starting at a perilous moment in the nations history. The people are about to try to take Canaan from several people groups who aren't exactly eager to vacate the premises and hand it over.

The vision isn't in question: occupy the Promised Land. But before that can happen, Joshua has to seize the vision. And judging by the number of times, "Be strong and courageous" shows up in Joshua 1, apparently God knows this leader is scared of failing.

God steps in with encouragement. Just as God was with Moses, so He will be with Joshua. God promises, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Interesting how He says the same thing to us [Hebrews 13:5, NKJV].)

Joshua seizes the vision. We know this because practically within moments he is issuing orders to get the campaign under way (Joshua 1:10-15).

If you've received a vision from God, you need to seize it too. Don't waver or put it off. Stop trying to have all the answers before launching out in faith.

All God needs is all you've got. Give it to Him today.