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Without
Vision the People Perish
by Erin L. Wikle
A small group of us met for prayer, praise, and discipleship
training, as is a daily practice for our Corps – yes, Corps.
(For those who have been following my family’s journey as
Western transplanted soldiers in the South, the expression of
the Army in Lebanon very recently received Corps status.
Hallelujah!)
After a period of worship and prayer, we were reminded that,
“Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18
KJV) and were encouraged to ask God, then and there, for a
fresh vision. Easy enough.
“[…] Fresh vision, Lord!”
Immediately an iconic picture came to mind.
A vision of black and white, a small group of U.S. soldiers
struggle together to hoist a flag upright into rough terrain.
Are you with me? The Battle of Iwo Jima. This was the
well-known WWII scene where U.S. heroic military raise the
American flag in victory over the Japanese Empire.
As I asked the Lord what this meant, I realized the picture
was actually different than I’d first perceived. Instead of a
military group, I saw Salvationists, all in full uniform.
Together, they labored in sweat and agony to raise the banner
of The Salvation Army. The soil was rugged, in fact, it wasn’t
soil at all, but hard concrete that had appeared to have once
been a foundation now broke to pieces. As the flag was raised
and began to unfurl, the cross of Christ could be seen shining
through it, as though covering, though not masking, the well
recognized Army banner.
I quickly put my pen to paper and began to write what I saw.
In this, God began to speak and clarify this picture. It was a
beautiful moment.
You see, before the vision came, submission took place. Sure,
it was momentary, but it was still submission – a surrendering
of self with a simple desire, “To be assured of what I could
not see!” I prayed these exact words: “Father,
show me your faithfulness and give me a vision for our
family’s future. I pray for a clear vision from you; I don’t
want to be distracted by my own thoughts, desires or ideas.”
The Lord gave me a clear picture, one of iconic and historical
semblance, one I wouldn’t forget. He assured me of a future in
continued partnership, “laboring in sweat and agony” with the
Army. A future where other Salvationists equally committed to
the cause would toil by my side to raise the banner of God’s
Great Army where faulty foundations once lay. A future where
before Christ would cover (approve) the great work of the red,
yellow, and blue. A future in service and dedication, of
sacrifice and long-suffering.
What a vision! What a promise! What an encouragement! I’ll
take it!
We should be encouraged when the Lord speaks, provides vision,
and moves us to a place of action. This God of ours is not a
watchman! He has not crafted and set us into motion to simply
stand back and see what happens. No, he’s an interactive and
always engaging God, intrigued and in love with his creation.
This is why we cannot seek satisfaction from last year’s, last
month’s, last week’s vision – not when he holds something new
for us today. Scripture says otherwise, we will
perish! Let’s be a
people who are always seeking fresh vision from the Lord, be
it for our Division, Corps, self, or loved one who doesn’t
know Jesus.
So, I dare you – ask! “Lord, give me a vision!” And when he
does, pray and tell your Corps Officer or Divisional
Commander. Be confident and assured that God is
still doing a new
work and desires that we, faithful Soldiers, take part in it!
“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually
happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see”
(Hebrews 11:1 NLT).
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