Fearful Dreams

There is something deep inside us that dreams deeply and freely. Somewhere between the dreams of being a ballerina or fireman and the career we end up pursuing that ability to dream lessens. We start to look for more traditional occupations. We recognize there is pain in reaching for our goals. Instead of dressing up as princesses and warriors we trade the oversized gowns and chainmail for a lesser dream, a more attainable dream. We stop dreaming of being the best at something and settle for mediocre. But what if we were created for more than mediocre? We may settle for a supporting role but what if we were meant to have a lead?

I have big dreams that are unattainable by my power. They are growing into God-sized dreams and I have no idea how they will work out. I am excited and a little scared to see what the God-sized version will be. I had to laugh one day because I felt God saying I have no imagination when it comes to my dreams. I do not have His imagination. He will show me how to get there in His time. He wants to do something so much greater through me than I can imagine. Where I see roadblocks standing in my way God sees adventure and multiple routes.

This culture is one of instant gratification. We do not want to wait and often do not want to put in the time to get to the end result we seek. God gave famous artists such as Michelangelo, da Vinci and Raphael great artistic abilities. If they waited to use those until they got a paying job, they would have waited a long time. Instead, they became apprenticed to great masters and received training. They practiced. They helped another artist create great art before they had the chance to do so themselves. They certainly did not want to always remain an apprentice. They had the raw talent but it needed to be crafted into a refined skill.

We were created with intentionality and purpose. Fear was not supposed to rule us yet we allow it to have power over us. We do not need to believe fear. I do not need to avoid what I believe God called me to do because I am fearful. If God created me research and learn more about the culture and history of the people of Ephesus so I can better understand the book of Ephesians, than shouldn’t I be doing that? If God created me to do something and I am not doing it, then isn’t that also disobedience?

What are the things you are God-designed to do? Do not let fear answer for you. If you do not know, pray about it; ask the advice of those you trust. Find someone who has a dream and partner with them. Help them achieve it, and while doing so you will discover what you are created to do as well.

Have courage to dream and dream big. When God shows you a step you need to take toward those dreams, have the courage to do so. Let’s put an end to fearful dreaming. When God is leading you, He is leading you closer to your true identity, a follow of Christ.