Below is a snippet of a devotional I am currently writing for associate clergy and church leadership entitled, "Strength to Lift!"
After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” But Abram said, “Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless, and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir. Then the word of the LORD came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars – if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be” (Genesis 15:1-5
Abram had dreams of having a child to leave his inheritance. He dreamed of having an heir; someone to continue his legacy. But it appears that Abram had given up on the dream. He had been obedient to God’s call to leave his family and go to a place that God would show him. He had helped as many as he could along the way, including his nephew Lot. Abram helped others, but inside he had a longing that, to this point, had not been fulfilled. He wanted an heir.
God had spoken and said that Abram’s offspring would be so many that he would not be able to count them. But right now, there was not one. Abram began to think that his dream of having an heir, a son, would never come true. Disappointed, but accepting, Abram contends that his servant would be his heir.
Later in Genesis 18:10-15, Sarah laughed when it was spoken that she would give birth to a child. What she had desired for many years had not come to pass, and now the thought of it sounded laughable to her in her old age. Sarah had moved past that point where she dreamed of having a child. Now she would just be content with carrying out her wifely duties and responsibilities until it was time for her to enter eternal rest.
Sometimes we forget how to dream. Serving in support capacities we know how to help others implement programs, run ministries, handle administrative functions behind the scenes, and move someone else’s vision along, but become vision impaired when it comes to what God has spoken in our lives.
God had to remind Abram that His promises are for him as well! His word is true. He tells Abram, “Look up at the sky and count the stars – if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” And Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6).
Do you have a dream of one day doing something outside the four walls of the church?
Do you have a dream to go back to school, to start a business, or do something different than what you’re currently doing?
Do you believe the LORD when He speaks into your life?
God doesn’t want us to forgo our dreams because we are helping others achieve theirs! There is room for both/and.
God will get the last laugh when He brings a dream back to your remembrance, letting you know that He hasn’t forgotten you. You thought His answer was, “No.” Maybe He is saying, “Keep dreaming!”
If you have forgotten how to dream, ask God to help you dream again! Ask Him to help you to see when your vision is impaired. Look deep within and search for the dreams you thought would never come to pass. Place them before God and believe He will do
what He says!