Someone tell me I’m not the only one!
There are moments where the thought that I could die anytime at all strikes me silly.
I’m not worried about where I’m going. I believe God’s Word in 2 Timothy 4:18–He will deliver me safely into His Kingdom. I know my loved ones; they’d trust God with my death.
My (foolish!) concern?
I worry that I might die before I get to finish certain study and writing projects. I fear my dreams might be left unfinished, unaccomplished. And with that, I realize I have an idol issue.
God-Sized Dreams Aren’t Meant to be Idols
In chapter two of You’re Made for a God-sized Dream, Holley asks:
“Why are God-sized dreams so compelling?”
Her answer offers swift correction for any dream-scheming:
“Because we powerfully experience God’s presence in our lives through them. It’s not about the destination. It’s not about what we will get if we complete them. It’s about the relationship.”
Fearing of missing out on our dreams before they’re achieved means forgetting what our dreams are all about.
God doesn’t give us dreams so we can work for a trophy on a shelf.Click To TweetHis dreams for us result in the prize of closeness with Christ.
God-Sized Dreams Are Meant to Be Eternal
The kinds of dreams God gives us are intended to glorify Him. They build up His Kingdom in one way or another. That means that pursuing our God-sized Dreams isn’t just about us.
Holley points out that:
“Ultimately you know the calling in your soul is about more, so much more than anything you might hope to gain from it.”
Our dreams are about Him. And He isn’t changing, failing, or going anywhere. Worship is and will be received by God for forever.
Our God-sized dreams aren’t about the temporal. They’re designed by God to have an eternal impact.Click To TweetGod-Sized Dreams Aren’t Threatened By Our Fears
Hopefully your fear about dreaming is not associated with dying. (oh, the human imagination!)
Maybe you worry instead that you’re going to miss out on your dream because of setbacks or surprising life changes. Fear of failure might be holding you back from even starting. Perhaps you fear because the dream just seems too huge.
There’s good news:
God can do all things. No plan of God’s can be thwarted. (Job 42:2)
As Holley says: “You don’t have to be big to have God-sized dreams, because in Him you are enough.”
His dreams for us may not look like we expect. Some aspects that we think are vital might not be. But we know that what He purposes, happens. God will complete your dream in the best way.
We can trust that God’s purposes for the dreams He gives us will NOT die, even when they are threatened.Click To TweetShared by: Bethany McIlrath
These thoughts from Holley (and you!) come right alongside what I’m reading in My Utmost for His Highest about calling: “God gets me into a relationship with Himself whereby I understand His call, then I do things out of sheer love for Him on my own account.” With God-designed dreams, we fulfill our calling according to the way he has individually designed us. That truth helps me to put aside my fears and trust Him.
Thanks, Bethany, for all you do.
Oswald Chambers, oh my heart! : ) That’s a wonderful quote and point. Helps me to put my fears aside and trust Him too. Thankful for you and all you do, too, Michele!
I echo this thought, Michele.
I am reading Falling Free by Shannan Martin alongside Holley’s You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream. I am finding they are the perfect books to read together. Both affirm God fulfilling our dreams and how God’s plans for us are meant to glorify Him.
Thank you for taking us on this journey today through part of Holley’s book.
Ooh, I’ve never heard of that book. Will have to look it up : ) Thanks for sharing and commenting, Mary!
What great quotes and thoughts on a God-sized subject! As I’m re-reading the Old Testament, I’m reminded of the fact that our fears and our failures won’t keep God for completing His Work in and through us.
Thank you, Donna! What a wonderful reminder. His plans will be fulfilled!