“Everything God does, Satan attempts to counterfeit.”
I can still remember when a friend spoke those words to me. So many things began to make sense with that one simple statement. She went on to explain how the enemy does all he can to keep us running to these counterfeit things…rather than to Jesus. For peace. For comfort. For joy. I had not heard it in such plain terms before.
Talk about a light bulb moment.
It was then, I started noticing a funny pattern with opportunities that came my way. It would usually happen at a time I was feeling low, convinced nothing could ever come of a crazy dream that felt three sizes too big. I would find myself wondering if God had forgotten the dream He had for me. Or maybe I’d just heard wrong.
In that exhausted, slightly desperate place, along would come a break. Yet, almost from the moment I’d hear it, something wouldn’t sound quite right. Deep within, I’d know this wasn’t the opening for me. Yet, try as I may, I couldn’t find a real reason to talk myself out of it. Nothing that is, except for that niggling pull guiding me towards another route. More often then not, I’d end up saying yes, but knowing deep down something was just off.
I’ve now seen how this pattern played out over and over in my life. As long as the enemy could keep me wrapped up in something I wasn’t meant to be doing, I wasn’t make strides towards what God wanted me doing. And the things that would come along, were great opportunities, they just weren’t meant for me. Often, I’d untangle myself from one thing, only to find myself all wrapped up again soon after.
Sigh.
While the details of your situation likely look a little different, it’s probably safe to say the enemy would rather have us all spinning our wheels on a Satan-sized counterfeit than on our true God-sized dream.
[clickToTweet tweet=”The enemy would rather have us all spinning our wheels on a Satan-sized counterfeit than on our true God-sized dream.” quote=”The enemy would rather have us all spinning our wheels on a Satan-sized counterfeit than on our true God-sized dream.”]
A counterfeit, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is “made to look like an exact copy…in order to trick people.”
[clickToTweet tweet=”How can we tell the difference between a God-sized dream and a counterfeit?” quote=”How can we tell the difference between a God-sized dream and a counterfeit?”] The difference between a knockoff the enemy is using to trick us and the true dream that God is calling us to? Here are a few ways to detect a counterfeit God-sized dream:
1.) It should be for the building up of God’s people. Our God given gifts are for building each other up, and our God-sized dreams should do the same. And remember, our God-sized dreams should be life giving to everyone, including ourselves! If it feels like it’s sucking the life right out of us, that might not be where God wants us! “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV)
2.) It should always honor God’s Word. Plain and simple. He doesn’t contradict Himself. If we have to go against God’s Word, it’s simply can’t be from Him. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)
3.) Every aspect should be on the up and up. I know, I know, this should go without saying but you might be surprised how convincing Satan can be, even speaking blatant lies to believers. After all, the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy, and Jesus comes so we may have life to the full!
4.) It should always lead others into God’s light. If it leads people away, in any way, we should reconsider what it is we’re doing. “For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.” 1 Thessalonians 5:5 (NLT)
5.) God should be the main motivator. Money/recognition/fill in the blank might seem great, but God-sized dreams take a lot of work/time/gray hair/freak-outs. Our families might have to get used to cereal for dinner and remind us laundry needs to be done again because, well, clean underwear would be nice. This will all get old fast, if our motivation is anything but Him. {To which I will also add, everything will get old in double time, if something called “perimenopause” has come to visit your abode. Ahem.} “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
6.) There should be no hold backs. And I don’t mean the natural hold back we have because of fear. Even Moses doubted, right? He tried to tell God he couldn’t speak when God called him. (Exodus 4:10) I’m talking about the general feeling that something is off. Pay attention and take that to God in prayer.
The good news? I’ve noticed right behind a counterfeit dream, more often than not, along comes the real thing.
The even better news? No matter where you are on the path, God has you, friend! Nothing can mess with His plan for you! He can work all things together for good. He can use for good what the enemy meant for harm. God can even repay for the years the locusts have eaten! Phew!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to do laundry and plan my next post: God-sized Dreaming While Hormonal. Good times!
(And here is a wonderful song for dreamers by Jeremy Camp, which the quote in the above photo is from. It’s definitely worth a listen…but might just get stuck in your head! 🙂
Shared by: Christine Wright