We all have that picture perfect portrait of what we want to be in life. Two things easily define our portraits. Either we are the talented artist behind the easel or we are the fortunate visitors to the art gallery.

We either move along with the flow, but could be easily side tracked by other people’s vision, achievement or disposition. We get so weak in the knees or become slaves of their supremacy, we admire their talent or we get deceitfully envious of their unique skills and intimidated by the chain of power and presence they command. The fox in us is displayed: Sly and cunning, without a mind of our own. We become self-appointed first-class personality hijackers.

For as long as I can remember, writing, dancing and art work has been my passion. And to help nurture my children with what I do best and unwind in the evening, we’ll spend time dancing to silly songs by Larry (veggie tales) before crashing to bed! Just recently my older daughter completed her classical ballet recital after 6 years of rehearsing. The joy of accomplishment on her face at the end of the show! Priceless! On my list of things needing completion. Checked. ‘Seeking God’s face for total submission of allowing her to continue dancing as a professional: My Portrait!!

So, like the story of the Tower of Babel, I learned two things. First, that when people make up their minds 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 may 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.

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 anyway to bring it to pass.

We often forget that God gives us a vision, and then He takes us down to the valley to batter us into the shape of that vision. It is in the valley that so many of us give up and faint. Every God-given vision will become real if we will only have patience.

Today, I am encouraging you to allow the Potter to put you on His wheel and whirl you around as He desires. While still in the light of the glory of the vision. We go right out to do things, but the vision is not yet real in us: we say because xyz is doing it, I can do it too! Releasing and discovering your talent is one thing: Claiming ownership of that freed self is another. Whose portrait are you still hovering over? Whose shadow are you still tracing? Discover your inner-mind skills and let your passion be aligned with God’s will.

May God help us all!

Yinka.