What Do You Want?
Imagine you have a desire to do something BIG. You know “we’re gonna need a miracle to pull this off.” You pray about it. You pray some more and the idea doesn’t go away. In fact, it only grows in your heart and mind.
Two days ago I shared about Nehemiah and what God did through him to restore the dignity of Israel. Nehemiah was an Israelite, in captivity serving as a cup-bearer to King ArtaXerxes, the most powerful man in the world at the time. He heard about the city of Jerusalem and how it lied in ruin. He heard about the problem - that the city walls and gates were destroyed and the people of Israel were discouraged.
Nehemiah prayed and was hoping God would give him supernatural favor. After all, this guy tastes the King’s wine to ensure it isn’t poisoned! God answered his prayer and gave him amazing favor but that favor began with a simple question.
The King asked “What do you want?” If the wealthiest man the in land were to ask you that today, would you know how to respond? (pause) I do. I know exactly what I would do. I know exactly the land and the building and how it could be used to plant churches.
When your assignment is God-given, Heaven-birthed, there will often be miraculous provision. Nehemiah was given body-guards(2:7) timber(2:8) The King even sent an army of officers and calvary with him (2:9)
Do you know what you want? Is there a burden on your heart to do something for the Lord? I’m not saying everyone has to have a “big dream” that costs a ton of money. For many, the call and purpose of God is to raise your kids to be kind, honest Jesus-followers and that’s beautiful!
But maybe you’re reading this and you know God’s put a little flicker in your heart - an idea - a God-sized idea that will cost a great deal of money. Pray about it. Seek counsel on it. Pray some more and if God puts you before “a king” you gotta be ready to answer the question, What do you want?
You need to be able to clarify your vision. It needs to be clear, concise and compelling. What do you want to do and why do you want to do it? After clearly stating that, state how you’re going to get it done, even if you only have one or two thoughts on the strategy, at least state your approach and your desire to learn how best to do what God’s put in your heart to do. The most important part is knowing WHAT and WHY so you are ready for that moment when God puts you before someone who can fund your dream. Provision follows vision.
So… What do you want?