Hope is defined as "to cherish a desire with anticipation" and a dream is defined as "a strongly desired goal or purpose". We talk so many times about our hope and our dreams and it came to me that I've had one in general and I'm anxious about putting a specific title to it. Let me explain. At one time not so long ago I was talking to someone and we discussed me doing something specific in ministry. I got very excited and started praying about it and even started studying and researching ideas for it. And then when it came time to God allowing me to do it, I was told that it wasn't the right time. I do understand God's timing. He has shown me over and over again the purpose of not getting something too soon. But I have to be honest, I was completely bummed to say the least. I felt like I had built myself up for something big I had been praying for and it was quickly taken away. But what happened shortly after was that 4 Grandchildren moved in to our house and they needed my attention more than anything or anyone else. They were my priority and ministry at that time.
Now that they are back with their Mom and trying to get settled in, I am once again looking to this next season. I pray to be used on a large scale for God and for His glory and purpose but I find myself holding back. I told Him the other day I don't want to be rejected. I have felt rejected a good share of my life and I don't know if my heart can take that right now. So instead of putting myself out there, I am just allowing myself to be okay with whatever is put in front of me. But God spoke to me and He said "Lori every time you feel rejection, I want you to think of the word "protection". Rejection = Protection. It's not rejection, it's me protecting you." Which made perfect sense. But it didn't help my heart to feel less anxious at the time.
I go back to the definitions of hope and dreams. A dream, or a strong desired goal is nothing without hope. We need to anticipate that dream. Believe that it will come to be. I didn't put these desires in my heart. God did and if He put them in me, there is a reason for it.
God is asking us all to step out in boldness. We might not always succeed in everything we try but it's better to lose at trying than not try at all. Think of all the failures famous people have had before they found the one thing that gave them their first break. I don't want to be famous in everyone else's eyes. I just want to be famous in my Heavenly Father's eyes. I know He will love me regardless of what little or big things I do, but to watch a person's life change in front of my eyes is amazing. I've seen it so many times. To sit back and let God use me to help change a lost soul is better than any spotlight or any amount of money in the world. We all have a tendency to find that "thing" that is going to make us happy. I can tell you without a doubt, it is helping people.
I don't want to be consumed by which direction God will take me in order to do that this time. I am willing to wait patiently in boldness and continue to pray that I will not miss it once it is placed before me. But in the meantime I am willing to dream AND hope and allow God to put ways to continue to prepare me along the way. I hope you can do the same in your own life today. I dare you.....like the Nike commercials say, JUST DO IT!!!!!
"But God told Samuel, "Looks aren't everything. Don't be impressed with his looks and stature. I've already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 (The Message)
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