Dream On Dreamer

I’ve always been the kind of woman that had dreams bigger than her reality. What I see is always so much grander than what I have. I suppose on one hand thats a good thing. It leaves uninhibited room to dream and desire. It makes the world of aspiration come to life in dancing, living color. On the other hand, it can sometimes make my reality seem a bit dull. Like, where’d all the colors go? However, we happen to serve a God that is abundant with dreams. He is the creator of imagination and creativity after all. So when I find myself having a moment of feeling like my world isn’t enough, I try to remember why I dreamed so big in the first place.

Our God loves to bless us. He loves to give us gifts and pretty things to make us smile. The heart of God is so totally romantic and playful. He is the face of grandma lighting up on Christmas morning with her first grand child. He is the first kiss between two star struck lovers. He is the heart of the man on his knee in proposal. God is constantly and relentlessly looking for ways to give to us. To show up for us. To watch us smile. To watch us fall in love. To see our glow after a night of laughter. All He ever really wants for us is joy and happiness in our lives. That’s who He is. Pure fatherly love. The more I live my life for Him, the more of that heart I come to know. And as I do, I’ve found my dreams expanded. It wasn’t just that I felt more free. Or that I felt more hopeful. Though that helped, it wasn’t the fuel. What really blew my imagination into oblivion was Gods promises. Now, let me tell you, when God dreams for you, He dreams big. This is God we’re talking about. GOD. He has no limits, nothing is too much, too big, too extravagant. I mean, look at all the animals He created. God likes all the colors, all the sass and attitude, and some down right weird looking things. The possibilities of what you could do with Him are literally endless. And if you’re willing to pay attention, let Him guide you, and obey..... you could achieve more than you could ever fathom.

There came a point where God started promising some heavy things. Some pretty outlandish things. I’m looking at my surroundings, listening to God tell me what’s coming, and all I could think was “God done lost His mind.” How in the world is that even possible?! I took a step back, took a breath, and realized I had to make a decision. Do I stay still because I can’t see a way and that scares me? (Can you say control issues? Holy train wreck isn’t just a title. This is why I need Jesus.)

Or do I choose to trust God even if I don’t understand.... do I dare to dream with my creator?

Here’s what I figure...... standing still would be safer. I have more control there. I can stay in what’s comfortable and familiar. I might not find anything spectacular, but I’ll be safe. And I like the idea of safe. Safe is good. And there I could make due with what I have and find a more cautious route to maybe a little more. Just a smidge though..... cause of the safe things can’t get too crazy. Or..... I could let myself believe the promise. If I trust God to do what doesn’t seem to make sense, if I let go of control, free fall into the dreams of God..... I might get hurt. Maybe even a lot. I most likely will because again, train wreck. But that journey would be lit up with the colors of an Alaskan sky. My heart would experience the depths of emotions some can only wish for. I could meet the most extraordinary people and see the most beautiful things. I will have said I lived the life of a woman chasing the robe of the most stunning magnificence. A life of abundance that blesses me and glorifies God. Scrapes and all. Even if it hurt, choosing to trust Him, His dream, meant that MAYBE I could see it come true.

And that.... that’s worth it.

So I dove in head first into dreaming with God. And let me tell you, this dude is wild lol God is crazy. And His ideas are out there. Woo buddy did He make plans. And every day when I let myself dream a little more, trust a little more, hope a little more.... I can see God moving things into order. Lining up what seemed impossible. Making moves. And I’m excited. It’s not just that the dreams could come true. It’s that letting go and hoping for something grand, made my every day life seem like a spectacular adventure. Having the safeguard of knowing Gods heart to give sets me free of worry. Giving Him control of what the dream is and how to see it manifest gave me permission to be grand even in the smallest moments. The ones that seemed so insignificant to the cause, have now become the cause. I don’t have to figure out how to achieve the dream, I get to relish the journey into the promise land. All the sights and experiences along the way became part of the dream because I’m allowed to want more, but love what I have. We’ll get there when we get there. And until then, I’m going to find the spectacular in the mundane. And I’m finding life in the dessert.

Dream with God. But I warn you. It’s not for the weak. While all the colors are brighter, the lives enriched, the abundance so sweet.... none of that will come without a fight. You will earn your blessing through war and pain. It will hurt. It will be hard earned. The enemy of your soul would love nothing more than to discourage you from dreaming. He knows its a sure fire way to keep you from walking in true identity and seeing the truth of Gods so loving heart. He will come against you and with intensity. He will fight with hatred in his heart and relentlessly so. You will earn your blessing.... but I encourage you that if you keep believing, keep trying, keep holding on to hope, keep going you will see the dream become reality. It will find you as you walk through roses and thorns. The fight will make the journey worth it just as much as the extravagant moments of bliss. Who you end up being in the end is a person of strength and endurance. One that can carry the blessing with honor and faith. Suddenly that fight becomes your medal. God is glorified, you are blessed, and the dream came true. So endure. And pray a lot. But never let go of the dream. And never be afraid to make it too big. As long as you’re dreaming with God, its so worth it.

Romans 5:3-5

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill or hearts with his love.

Hebrews 10:35-36

So, do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Proverbs 16:3

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Ephesians 3:20

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,