Hupakouo (Obedience)

Yesterday at the fellowship meet we were reminded about 'Acts of obedience'. And as I waited upon the Lord today's Vine message is also on obedience!

Paul had a 'heavenly vision'. But there are those who '... speak a vision of

their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord' (Jeremiah 23:16 [2] NKJV).
So you must be sure you are operating according to God's plan, not your own
nor somebody else's. The story of the Tower of Babel teaches us two things.
First, that when people make up their mind to do something, they often
succeed; and second, that succeeding doesn't mean that you're in the will of
God. The word Babel (confusion) means others can think you're right, yet
you're wrong. You ask, 'But isn't it all right to make plans and set goals?'
Yes, but your plans and goals should come out of a vision that God has given
you.

When Paul said, 'I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision', he meant
that there's only one acceptable response to God's plan - obedience! Partial
obedience, selective obedience or delayed obedience are still all
disobedience. William Carey, who is considered the father of modern missions,
gave up comfort and fortune to go to India and introduce the gospel. One of
his more memorable quotes is: 'Expect great things from God; attempt great
things for God' But you can only say that with confidence when you know what
God has called you to do. What He ordains, He sustains! When you set your own
goals you lack a heartfelt confidence that God is doing the work, so you wear
yourself out thinking it's all up to you. However, when you know God has
given you a vision for your life, you trust Him, even when you can't see any
way to bring it to pass.

PS: God is in control! I can feel it!

Source: http://anicko19.blogspot.com/2010/08/hupakouo-obedience.html