I have a process for redecorating a room.

First comes the vision. I decide on a color scheme and the function of the room. I make a list of needed items to make the room more beautiful or functional. Sometimes I even make a graph of the room showing where furniture will be placed.

Then begins the collection of items: paint swatches, fabrics, wall hangings, and whatnots/tchotchkes. I may even make window treatments or throw pillows.

When the time comes to put it all together, I paint the walls the fresh color, arrange the furniture, and bring out all the things that will make it complete.

Once when I told my husband I wanted to redecorate a room, I explained that I had to get my vision and begin my collection. He said the room was fine the way it was, but I knew it could be better.

If I had not had a vision, I would not have planned, searched, implemented. If I had not had a vision, the room would have stayed outdated, less-functional, and tired.

I think that is the way of the word of God concerning our prodigals. He has a vision that He gives to us, a plan that He is waiting to implement. He collects the prayers; we collect the raindrops. He is working and setting them up for salvation, and we can see His vision. We can see them surrendering their lives to Christ. We can see our prodigals saved and shouting the victory. Many of us know what our prodigals are called to do; how they are called to serve; how God has specifically created them; what their strengths, talents, and weaknesses are; and we have a vision of our prodigals serving God wholeheartedly! We can see the room completed.

Once I’ve collected all the parts for a newly refurbished room, I am usually really eager to get started. I feel the same way about prodigals. We’ve collected prayers, raindrops, vision, function, and maybe even a Bible with the name engraved on it. We’ve prepared: ourselves, our rooms, our families, our churches, our hearts. We are eager to see salvation.

While I am quite impatient for prodigals to be saved, I know God has a plan and is working, drawing them back to Himself.

When you get discouraged or overwhelmed, think on the vision, and give God thanks for what He has already done! We are just waiting to catch up!

I can see it!

Habakkuk 2:3 says, “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry” (KJV).