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Sunday, April 8, 2012

A Dream in My Heart

I have a confession.
I have a dream.
It's so big that it's impossible.
Impossible for me, that is.
I'm not ready to share it.
Maybe I'm afraid.
Maybe I can't get past how ludicrous it is.
Maybe I don't have enough faith.
I just finished reading the Bible through again, and I'm in awe. I'll never be able to wrap my feeble mind around the fact that the same God who created the universe, parted the Red Sea, healed the sick, brought the dead to life and came to Earth to
die for my sin, is the same God who loves me and whose Spirit lives in me and communicates with my spirit. Never.will.I.understand.
I also finished The Circle Maker. So many things resonated in my heart, such as: "So while God is for us, most of us have no idea what we want God to do for us. And that's why our prayers aren't just boring to us; they are uninspiring to God. If faith is being sure of what we hope for, then being unsure of what we hope for is the antithesis of faith, isn't it?"
I'm drawing prayer circles around my dreams and around God's promises, just as the Israelites circled Jericho.
Right now I'm reading not a fan. Wow! From the beginning of the book, the question is presented: Am I a follower of Jesus...or a fan?
"Here is the most basic definition of fan in the dictionary:
'An enthusiastic admirer'
It's the guy who goes to the football game with no shirt and a painted chest. He sits in the stands and cheers for his team. He's got a signed jersey hanging on his wall at home and multiple bumper stickers on the back of his car. But he's never in the game. He never breaks a sweat or takes a hard hit in the open field. He knows all about the players and can rattle off their latest stats, but he doesn't know the players. He yells and cheers, but nothing is really required of him. There is no sacrifice he has to make...He is an enthusiastic admirer."
Wow!
We live in a world where fandom is accepted. Does that make it okay to sit comfortably on the sidelines, unwilling to risk anything? I don't think so. Please don't misunderstand me and think I'm saying we can earn our way to heaven. Not.at.all! But the narrow way requires obedience. Obedience to the Holy Word of God. And that most likely looks completely different from my plans. And that's okay.
So I have a dream in my heart.
It's impossible for me, in case I didn't mention that.
Will you pray for me?
Please pray that above all else, I would seek Him.
And that in the midst of praying through this I don't lose sight of Whose plans are best.
Thank you.


12 comments:

  1. I think God is trying to also get my attention with Not a Fan! We have been in a series of sermons at church over this book and just returned from Falls Creek and guess what the topic was? Yep-NOT A FAN! I just thought I was a follower and boy does this challenge my thinking! Praying with you as we seek to be true followers!

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  2. Praying with you Connie, with you and for you.
    xoxo

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  3. That "not a fan" part really struck home with me too....and admttedly it made me uncomfortable because it is so true as much as it hurts to say that.

    Please know Connie that I am lifting you and your dream in prayer.

    In Christ,
    Dorothy

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  4. Our pastor just preached on 'not a fan'. Made me think - am I a fan or a follower. What have i given up to 'follow hard' for God?

    I come up empty handed. Moving from a fan to a follower is not easy. But that is the point...Jesus didn't say go back and bury your dad and then come with me. Gotta come now.

    I have no idea what i am praying for. Actually, that is not true. I am praying that I feel the holy spirit direct my actions so I don't feel so lost, lost and looking for direction for Him.

    Hugs,
    christy

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  5. i will pray with you on this connie. God will show you what His plan/purpose is.

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  6. Yes, I will be praying for you. I have never heard that book before )Not a fan)...think I will need to research more and head to the local Christian book store LOL.

    Blessings,
    Connie

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  7. Great post! Thank you! I will be praying for your dream and above all the leading of His Spirit in you. God Bless!

    Melanie

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  8. Hi Connie:

    I went to the bookstore and purchased The Circle Maker.

    I was wondering what your thoughts were on Honi and the Legend?? I understand that legends are stories that are not proven to be true. If this is the case then how can Mark Batterson use "Honi" as the inspiration for his book?

    I have started reading this book and it truly is inspiring but can't seem to wrap my brain around the beginning...and also the part that mentions "jewish sage".

    Any thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank you.
    Connie

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  9. Thankful for you Connie! Thankful for your reminders, your example, your faith, and excited to hear what dreams God has planted in your heart. I will be praying for you!

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  10. I haven't heard of this book either- it sounds wonderful!

    Saying prayers for God's direction! Love your heart and your posts!

    ( I'm thinking I may be needing some of that direction too!)

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  11. As I read this I get chills. It seems I do not know my plans and fear to listen to God so many times because of what he may say! I love that you can bring it to many people attention that what we think is boring is so fasicinating to Him. I forget that so often! I appreciate your words and I ask you pray for my plans as well. I need guidance more than anything!

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