“Son of man, what is this proverb you have in the land of Israel: ‘The days go by and every vision comes to nothing’? Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am going to put an end to this proverb, and they will no longer quote it in Israel.’ Say to them, ‘The days are near when every vision will be fulfilled. Ezekiel 12:22-23 NIV

We have friends in South Asia who both had the same vision before they got married. It was for their whole state to come to know Jesus reaching many unreached people groups. Through many trials, toils and troubles they have held on to this vision and are beginning now to see how it could be fulfilled! How exciting!

A friend of mine has wrote about keeping your fire burning and mentioned a quote from YWAM many years ago:

“When you don’t hear anything from God, go back to the last thing you heard Him say. Simply remind yourself of that. Keep doing that thing until He speaks again.”

Our friends were planting a church, starting a preschool and a music business. It’s been really hard.

Then the wife’s father passed away during Covid a couple years ago. They inherited a compound with a house, church and a school but had many issues with building permits from the government.

First, as they opened up the church many new people came even from other faiths. Also the teachers of the school were from other faiths and lots of ministry was happening. People were praying for the sick and new life was pouring into this building.

They also realized that there were about five pastors supported by the church, who had contacts in several districts of unreached villages. They began to train in them in making disciple makers. The word started to spread and many people in this state were interested in getting more training. Just a few weeks ago, 70 village leaders met to get more training in how to find persons of peace, begin a discovery group with seekers, and multiply disciple makers as insiders are released to make disciples.

So I also would like to encourage you to frequently reflect on your original call to ministry. (It’s so good to tell the story and remember how God has heard your prayers and helped you along the way even in miraculous ways.)

Regularly check your activities in comparison to your original call or vision. (It’s okay to say no to some activities especially if they are time consuming and don’t fit what you are called to do)

Surround yourself with like-minded visionaries. (It’s so life-giving to spend time with people who have similar calls. It’s more refreshing than spending time with family especially if they don’t share your call and think you are extreme in your faith)

Get away often to pray and seek God’s direction. (If Jesus even did this, we sure need to do the same!)

Luke 5:16: 6 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.