Lack Vision? The Unexpected Answer

"Where there is no vision, the people perish: 

but he that keepeth the law, 

happy is he." 

Proverbs 29:18

"The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley 

shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it." Proverbs 30:17

Proverbs 29:18 is a well known and often quoted verse. Sermons and countless articles have pointed out this verse and the direness of individuals who have no vision, no life purpose. But why? Why do they not have a life purpose? I believe the answer is contained in the second part of that verse along with Proverbs 30:17. What does the law say? "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee." (Ex. 20:12). See also Matthew 15:4 and Proverbs 23:22. Could it be that the root behind a lack of life purpose stems from disregarding parents? God often gives parents special insight and guidance for their children, including adult "children". Unfortunately, there is a natural  tendency (sin nature/pride) to disregard this. There is also spiritual warfare. If the enemy can get you off track from doing what God has called you to do then there is victory in the enemy camp.

When I was growing from time to time my mom would tell me that God had given me a gift to write and that God wanted me to write. She even got specific - she said He wanted me to write children's books. Sadly, I rejected that. I ran from it for many, many years. I have tried different pursuits only to experience God closing the door! For some reason the Lord would not bless my endeavors of studying to be a doula/midwife, trying to sell Pampered Chef, or starting up a home business to teach sewing. These were not bad things in and of themselves, in fact, some of them are very good things! However, none of them were what God wanted specifically for me to do as a life calling/purpose. Eventually after many years the Lord finally got through to me. I speak this to my shame for I have wasted years of my life of doing my own thing when I could have been fulfilling God's plan for me by writing children's books. If only I had not disregarded my mother's counsel. 

Oh, but praise God for His grace and forgiveness! Since submitting this area of my life to the Lord and truly pursuing it I have watched the Lord open doors and truly blessed it in incredible ways. It is not always easy, but it is wonderful to know that no matter how hard it might be I know 100% beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am doing exactly what the Lord wants me to do. There is nothing in the world that beats that.

This is a time of year that many are trying to make major life decisions that will make a huge impact upon their future. If you lack life purpose let me encourage you to seek your parents counsel. Don't wait years! The "eagles" are famished to eat up your vision by wasting your time, thus destroying your life purpose. Seek the Lord and your parents counsel. Don't disregard it. One of the greatest tragedies is time misspent trying to run your own life.