God’s Direction Should Change Your Vision
- Bishop Keith Butler
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. (Acts 10:11-20)
Peter had an assumption he grew up with—a belief confirmed by the school he attended, the country he lived in, and the religion through which he learned Scripture. What was that assumption? All Gentiles were dirty, nasty, and shouldn’t have any dealings with Jewish men.
However, when God wants to change your assignment, He often begins by altering your assumptions. Peter’s vision of unclean animals wasn’t about food or dietary requirements; it was a message from the Holy Ghost regarding people. The vision given by God first confronted Peter’s biases. God needed to change his perspective before releasing him into the next stage of ministry. Notice that Peter was in a trance—a vision without being asleep—but God didn’t stop at the vision. He also provided Peter with an interpretation. The Holy Spirit told Peter, "The men are here; now go." Peter obeyed and went.
Practical Application
Don’t limit God based on your past understanding. God often reveals the areas of our knowledge that aren’t rooted in the Word, but instead in our cultural interpretations, past experiences, or religious upbringing. Submit yourself to the Holy Spirit and ask Him if there are any beliefs you hold that are incorrect because you have relied on something other than the Word.