The Birth of a Vision Requires Travail

by Terry Nance | Uncategorized


Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27)


Once we have developed an intimate relationship with God and become pregnant with a dream or a vision planted in us by Him, then we must begin to nurture that vision, causing it to grow and develop. Some of the most miserable people in this world are women who are pregnant and overdue. They know the birth is inevitable, but they don’t know when it will take place. They feel uncomfortable, like they will pop if the child doesn’t come forth.

Likewise, it is quite uncomfortable for those Christians in the world who are “pregnant” with a vision from God and yet have not been able to give birth to that vision. Sooner or later it will lead to godly travail, without which there can be no birth. That travail is our intercession. Intercession is a prayer that goes before God for someone else. It is praying that God’s will be done for others. As you commit to this kind of prayer you will discover that it will be easier to work with your leaders. As you pray for others you will sense God’s love being poured through you for them. In this the law of giving and receiving will work for you. What you make happen for someone else, God makes happen for you.

Isaiah 40:3 NLT states, “Listen! I hear the voice of someone shouting, ‘Make a highway for the Lord through the wilderness. Make a straight, smooth road through the desert for our God.'” John the Baptist was the forerunner of Jesus. He prepared the way for Jesus’ first coming. You and I are preparing the way for the Lord’s second coming.

One day the Lord revealed Isaiah 40:3 to me in this way: “The voice of someone is shouting in Little Rock, Arkansas, ‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in Little Rock a highway for our God.'” Intercession is like building a highway for the Lord. We have to do the work first, but then God will send His glory. If we will be patient and faithful—if we will follow the process of intimacy, pregnancy, travail, and birth—we will see the fulfillment of our heavenly dreams and visions.


Developing the Spirit of an Armorbearer

  • During the time that you are pregnant with the vision, when you have done all to stand and you are awaiting delivery, make good use of your time. Continue interceding according to God’s Word, but also use the time to prepare. A woman who is pregnant with her first child usually reads everything she can get her hands on having to do with parenting. In the same way, while you are in the waiting mode, search out as many resources as possible that have to do with your vision. If your vision is to go on the mission field, for example, read the many testimonies of others who have gone before you. Learn what worked for them and what didn’t. Correspond or meet with other missionaries. Take a language course, learn about the culture, maybe even take a trip to the place you desire to go to long term. Intercede for the country that is on your heart. There are numerous things you can do to prepare for the inevitable birth of your calling. Make the most of this time, because when this season is over and you are fulfilling the vision God has for you, you may be so busy that you won’t have time to work on foundational things. Build the foundation now and bathe it in prayer.
  • The following are some verses you can meditate on for encouragement: Habakkuk 2:2,3; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:36; Proverbs 13:12; 2 Timothy 2:15; and 1 Corinthians 10:4.

Dear God, I am indeed pregnant with the vision You have planted within me. Sometimes I get so excited that I could just pop. Other times I get discouraged because where I am is uncomfortable and it seems like I will never give birth to my dream. But because Your Word has promised that it will come forth, I will be faithful to continue interceding and preparing the way of the Lord. Amen.

Source: God’s Armorbearer Devotional by Terry Nance
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers

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Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.

Terry is the Founder and President of Focus on the Harvest, Inc. He's traveled extensively, awakening believers to this strategic generation. Through his God-given passion, believers are ignited to discover their gifts and callings, commit to the vision of their local church, and focus on the harvest of souls throughout their city, state, nation, and world.

Terry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern University, where he met his wife, Kim. They've been married for over 40 years and have three children; McCall, Alex, and McKenna.

In May 2008, Terry and Kim began Impact Church, a dynamic and growing, multicultural body of believers in Sherwood, AR. We believe that Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship. God loves each person individually. He desires everyone to know him personally.

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