This being the third part of the series, "TRUE AND FALSE VISIONS," "LIGHT AND DARK VISION," and now, the third part to the series, "LONG-TERM VISION."
In Psalms 119:105 it says: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."
God seems to give us just enough "light" for our feet, and not necessarily, a shining beacon spreading its light before our pathway, so that we can see ALL of what He has in store for us. Why is this? Well, one reason may well be that if we had this kind of LIGHT, or VISION, then after receiving it, then maybe we would not have a need for HIM. We would then become smug in our knowledge of this light, and perhaps "puffed-up" to the extent, that we may begin to think then, that the LIGHT which we once received from Him, emanated from within us; that is, that WE were the SOURCE of that LIGHT.
Now, I want to speak from a different angle here than what is implied above. While it is true that He gives us just enough LIGHT for us to see the road or path before us, it is also true that we need to have a LONG-TERM VISION. What I mean by that is simply that we need to see our circumstances and our plans within His VISION. We need HEAVENLY VISION. Consider for a moment, how an eagle operates: An eagle is capable of soaring high on the currents of the wind, and they build their nests in aeries high on mountain cliffs. When it comes time for them to hunt though, they can spy a rabbit, or a rodent, from high above the ground. Their VISION is long, and because of this, they are good hunters. We need to be like the eagle in our VISION.
When a person is traveling, and they are on the road, they can see far off into the DISTANCE; they can see perhaps, over several hills and valleys, where the road is taking them. There are obviously, road markings and signs, which alert the driver as to how far the next town is. There may well be signs which mention about areas where wild life may be seen. There are signs which advise the driver about "windy conditions," and also alert them as to how fast they should perhaps be traveling around a curve, or on a mountain highway. Can the driver though, SEE all of these conditions ahead of them? Do they know that just around the next curve is a deer, which is about to run across their pathway? Can they be prepared for a young child who is walking with their brother or sister, beside that road or highway, during the evening hours, just before nightfall? If they use CAUTION, then perhaps they may well avoid a dangerous accident, and prevent a calamity. God gives us SIGN POSTS for us along our travels with Him. He ALERTS us about areas in our lives, which may need to change. He also gives us LIGHT for what He wants us to do for Him. He is a "lamp unto our feet."
Remember about the five wise and the five foolish virgins:
"The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang our: Heres the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!" "Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, Give us some of our oil; our lamps are going out. "No, they replied, there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves. "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. "Later the others also came, Sir! Sir! they said, Open the door for us! "But he replied, I tell you the truth, I dont know you. "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the our." Matt. 25:4-13
Do we have enough oil for our lamps? Are they trimmed and ready? When the bridegroom comes, will we be ready for His arrival?
Remember that He will always be with us, and counsel us according to His wisdom, and give us "level paths" on which to walk. He has the "blueprint" and the design for our lives. He has the way already mapped out for us. However, He hasnt given us the entire "map" from which to read:
"Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel ." Ps. 73:23-24
"I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths." Prov. 4:11
"A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps." Prov. 14:15
"The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways." Prov. 14:8
"A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it." Prov. 22:3
"Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm, Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil." Prov. 4:25-27
"Teach me our way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors." Ps. 27:11
"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Is. 30:21
Finally, there are times in our lives when we may arrive at the crossroads, and we need the light of His voice and revelation to know which way to take. There are decisions which we may need to make, and the way before us, may be uncertain and perhaps even "cloudy," or obscured. We also need to head those who have spoken His warnings and counsels, both prophetically, and from His throne. Further, in the "valley of visions" in our lives, is where we can see what needs to be worked on, and it is in the valleys that the real work is done. Let us not have a frivolous attitude in the midst of grave danger and apostasy, as those did in Jerusalem and the valley surrounding it:
"This is what the Lord says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, "We will not walk in it. I appointed watchmen over you and said, Listen to the sound of the trumpet! But you said We will not listen. Jer. 6:16-17
Isaiah 22:1
An oracle concerning the Valley of Vision: What troubles you now, that you have all gone up on the roofs, O town full of commotion, O city of tumult and revelry?