Kingdom Messenger USA
Step Stones:New Vision A visionary is one who is “thinking or
planning the future with imagination or wisdom.” Imagination is defined as “the faculty or action of forming new ideas, or images or concepts of external objects not present to the senses.” Wisdom is “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.” So a visionary is someone who plans the future with new ideas or concepts not seen by the physical senses and having experience and knowledge to do so.” They maximize their potential with the God-given qualities they are blessed with. Imagination is powerful, as we find out from the confusing of the language at the Tower of Babel. God stated that “nothing would be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.” (Genesis 11:6) He scattered them in order that they might go forth and do as they were originally supposed to, which was to be fruitful and multiply, dominating the whole earth. They were coming together to do great things right where they were. Proverbs 19:21 says “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the Lord will stand.” I made all sorts of plans while I was young, but the Lord was not included. I am an introvert, and I would spend the majority of my time in my room, alone, satisfied with snacks and books and television. I think it hilarious that God called me to be a minister, being out and about amongst His people and doing His will. That is so far out of my comfort zone. I speak to others and it is the same way—God called them to do something that they never thought they would be called to do! I find it ironic, but it is definitely God! Because He had to do the things through me that He did, for I was not qualified! In many areas, I wasn’t even trained! I consider myself a visionary, for He has put me on paths and in places that I by His Word brought forth and it was something new
but productive. It was needed in the area and people were delivered and impacted. During these times, I was questioning even, even in the midst of obeying Him, because I knew His voice, but was no where near aware of His plans. And once it all came together, I rejoiced in the fact that He prevailed again and again! I have done so much through Him that often people think that I am skilled in the areas He had used me in, when I was only following His step by step instructions! God is forever bringing forth things that are new to me, and I recall the Scripture that says, “Behold, I do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” He is creating things for me that are something I have never experienced or done before, and I am grateful. I humbly call myself an anointed pioneer, for He leads me on paths that I have not traveled and I am impacted for the better. So for the next year, my eyes are already focused and looking forward to what He will be doing through me and for me. I will be installed as a Pastor in a couple of months and that is certainly new ground for me to flourish in and others will be blessed by my fruit. This was one area I always stated that I would not be walking in, that I would NEVER do! I tell you one thing, God definitely has a sense of humor! I think of the Scripture that says, “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh.” (Psalm 2:4) I know that there it is referring to His laughing at the wicked, but I know fully that there are times that He has to guffaw at my antics and declarations! I know because I laugh out loud at myself sometimes! I now know that I will do whatever He says, no matter what comes because He has proven Himself to me over and
over again. There are times when He has given me instructions and they seemed crazy—I can only imagine how Noah must have felt— but the outcome is glorious! Since He is the omniscient One, I can understand that He knows it all and I am willing to look peculiar in order to fulfill the purposes and plans of God! He is totally beyond comprehension in certain areas, but it is all made known when it comes to completion! Reading and studying the Bible has me truly feeling like a living epistle! I anticipate the new year and the new journeys that He is having me embark on. I am not even anxious like I used to be when it came to new endeavors. I have seen Him work and know Him to be faithful every time. I walk confidently with new concepts and ideas, seeing things not sensed in the natural and having knowledge that guides me on this phenomenal, eternal expedition! ✽
Pastor Stephanie Johnson Rice SC, USA
Winter ✻ 2020 -THY KINGDOM CARRIERS
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