Dreams are the aspirations or goals we hope to achieve in, with, or through our lives. They often start out strong, seemingly attainable and somewhere along the way, we begin to doubt, fear, and question.
We tend to look at heroes of the faith as just that – heroes. Yet if we were to look into Scripture, most of these heroes of the faith were just like us. In the beginning, they struggled with fear and doubt.
They were heroes because they forged ahead anyway.
Although God gives us the dream, we don’t always know the all the details. God called Moses to lead the people. Moses knew he was to take them to the Promised Land, but he still had a few unknowns:
One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.’ If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor.†(Exodus 33:12-13, NLT)
Moses implored the Lord for more information. He wanted to know more about the details.
God often reveals part of the dream, the full dream remaining a mystery. Every now and then, He pulls the curtain back a bit, letting us in on another piece to the puzzle. We learn along the way that His thoughts are not our thoughts. His ways are not like ours (Isaiah 55:8).
Holley Gerth gives us this insight:
“I believe God lets it be that way, even makes it that way, because it draws us closer to him. Our dreams may be elusive, but he is ever-present. Our dreams may challenge our sense of safety, but he is our ultimate security. Our dreams may catch our interest, but he’s the One who relentlessly chases our hearts.”
(from “You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream, page 47)
As much as we would like to know it all and be in control, we can release control to the Giver and Keeper of all our dreams. God gave Moses this assurance:
“The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest – everything will be fine for you.†(Exodus 33:14, NLT)
And He assures us as well that He will go with us and be with us always.
Your dream will lead you to greater dependence on God. Your dream will bring you joy in time. But the primary goal of your dream is to bring you into a deeper and more intimate relationship with God.
“This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.â€
Habakkuk 2:3, (NLT)
So keep moving forward.
Wait patiently.
It will not be delayed.
**This is an edited repost which first appeared HERE.
Photo by David Tommasino
Today I am joining …
I’m always encouraged when I’m reminded our heroes of the faith were really just normal people like we were, but that they “forged ahead anyway.” One day at a time, one little thing at a time, that’s what I want to do, too. Thanks, Joanne!
“As much as we would like to know it all and be in control, we can release control to the Giver and Keeper of all our dreams. ” Yes! I always want to know the end results. But I can release control and trust God. Thank you for sharing. ♥
I have to remind myself often that our Biblical heroes didn’t know how things would turn out. We see the results of their lives or situations in a page or two. But in the moment, they could only go a step at a time in faith, just like we have to. That and their everyday humanness is a comfort to me.
Such an encouragement! Thank you!