God expands our vision

Originally posted at: https://www.global-teams.net/blog/general/2021/02/09/god-expands-our-vision/

Feb
9

paper lanterns in a night sky

Photo by Leon Contreras on Unsplash

by Sheryl Shaw, North America Director

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2:25-33)

I have been studying one of my favorite Bible characters, Simeon. Simeon had waited his entire life for the Messiah to rescue Israel. When Simeon goes to the temple courts on that day, it’s because the Holy Spirit has directed him to go. When he holds the child, his vision is expanded. He sees that God’s plan is not just to rescue Israel; God’s plan is to reveal Himself to all nations. Simeon’s vision has shifted and he can see that God’s plan is so much bigger that anything he could have imagined. It’s as if God said, “I’m going to show you MY vision which is so much better than what you can make up in your head.” What an incredible blessing!

Since my nephew Mason died unexpectedly a year ago, my family has come to know God’s comfort. For the past year, his college-age friends have been showing up at our house frequently. Last month, on his birthday, we held a remembrance of Mason’s life, and another student showed up. Although she has never entered a church, she had come to faith in Christ over the past year.

We sent lanterns up in remembrance of Mason, and as I watched them, I reflected that the terrible event that has been so hard for us has opened doors we could not have expected. I have always been amazed at God’s faithfulness… If I trust and obey… I can see the fulness of vision that is better than anything I have planned.

God has made very clear promises to us at Global Teams. The vision is so much bigger than we realized. When the Holy Spirit tells us to move, we move…

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