It can be exciting to receive a vision from the Lord and have it confirmed by Scripture and godly counsel. We often mistakenly think such exciting confirmation means the vision will be brought to pass quickly and without having to persevere through difficulty. But God's purpose in building faith through His Word and other confirmation is to help us persevere, as He sees the timing and difficult road ahead. It is fundamental to the character of Jesus to make all things new. As we become more and more like Jesus, he will often ask us to do new things that involve perceived risk, and we often need to say “No!” to the voice of fear that accompanies risk.

In addition to saying “No!” to fear, we also need to say “no” to a lot of good ideas to keep appropriate space in our heart, mind, time, and budget for the best things that God has actually called us to. We need to realize that some past visions have run their course and that others may not have been from the Lord in the first place. As we prayerfully consider transitions, we can also seek wise counsel to thoroughly test our perceived new callings. Testing thoroughly is essential to helping us persevere through difficulties.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for making everything new. Thank You that as I read and obey Your Word, You have had and will continue to have new callings for me. Help me to hear clearly and to know what areas I need to persevere in, what areas You are bringing to a close, and what new dreams in my heart are really from You. Help me also to see sins and hindrances keeping me from being fruitful in Your Kingdom. Bring wise counsel also to confirm Your callings and to keep me from chasing my own fantasies. And when You bring the victory, may all praise and glory be to Jesus. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Let’s check our attitudes as we step toward something new in Christ Jesus. Past failure should not crush us, but humble us, and cause us to pray for power, love, and self-control through the Holy Spirit. Past success should not make us proud, but grateful, and increase our trust (faith) in Jesus when he provides a new direction. Let’s be open for the Holy Spirit to teach us from past failures and successes and prepare us for what is ahead.