Dream Big!

Do you remember the old song on Christian radio called "Dream Big"? The lyrics contain the following words:
                "Dream big! It's the Lord's desire for you to
                    Dream big, in everything you say and do! 
                   You'll find your greatest dreams come true;
                    the God of Heaven is dreaming big for you!"
What wonderful words!  We worship a God who has big dreams for us, who goes before us and prepares the way for our blessing. We may not be able to see what He is doing, and at times may question His methods, but we should be confident in the witness of Scripture.
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Take Joseph, for example He dreamt that he would rule over his family, which so angered his brothers that they sold him into slavery in Egypt. Because of their evil actions, Joseph suffered the indignities of slavery, imprisonment, betrayal, and separation from those he loved.  However, because of God's blessing, Joseph became steward in charge of all the resources of Egypt. When Joseph's family in Israel had a famine many years later, he had the means to rescue them. Joseph's comment to his frightened brothers reminds us that God is not out of business just because we don't understand His ways! "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Gen 50:20) 

On Good Friday, when the gravestone rolled into place and sealed Jesus' lifeless body into the tomb, it seemed to the disciples that their dreams had died with Him. They had begun to catch a vision of God's Kingdom, where there was peace between God and humanity, where dignity was integral to human life, where daily toil could become more rewarding.  Now all was lost, and this new relationship with their Heavenly Father seemed like the lie of a madman.  For three days that must have been an eternity to them, they grieved for their broken dreams and mourned their beloved rabbi.  Their faith had vanished along with their master.  But then, quite unexpectedly, God came to the rescue! Jesus was alive, and even more, He had opened the way to eternal life for all who followed after Him.  Jesus' comment to his frightened disciples reminds us that God works behind the scenes: "Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet have believed!" 

During the Lenten season, we prepare ourselves to serve God by reflecting on His bountiful grace and our own unworthiness. We intentionally try to remove any "fripperies" or distractions that might keep us from true worship.  But God does not deprive us of a meaningful life; it is God's desire that we might be vibrantly alive, fully aware of our possibilities. God has big dreams for us, and He wants us to fulfill them!

It may surprise you but many people do not have any dreams beyond satisfying their daily needs.  They go from activity to activity, from home to job to recreation, without ever formulating a long term goal or dream. But this is not God's will!  What are He places dreams in our hearts, if we will only take time to look at them, and not be distracted by what seems "possible" or "feasible." Maybe you are old, and think your dreaming days are over. It's too late to choose a career, find a mate, or become famous! But God calls us to make a difference no matter what age we are. I recently became involved with the Ophelia Project, which provides mentors for high school girls, encouraging them to achieve, to dream big, and fulfill their dreams. I don't have any particular ability in this area, but I am trusting God to show His love and His encouragement through me (without words, because no preaching in school, of course.) What are God's dreams for you? DREAM BIG!       - ​Blessings, Pastor Randa