Summer God-Dreaming
Summer has finally arrived in the Northeast! The skies flood us with afternoon showers or spread their glorious rays of sunshine for the Vitamin-D-deficient to enjoy! June through August, we dream of having a more relaxed schedule, enjoying the flash of fireflies, grabbing that new book placed on the shelf since Christmas, and relaxing with family. I love the casual and less demanding days of summer. Who is with me?
Did you know that studies have proven that stress shuts down the creative part of our brain? My life as a former teacher afforded me the summer break to be creative and reimagine the curriculum and classroom without the daily stressors of a rigid school schedule. Creativity is not a luxury for a teacher; it is essential. Likewise, in ministry and my walk with the Lord, creativity, led by His Holy Spirit, is a product of God-dreaming--unrushed time spent listening to my Savior's voice and allowing God to give me glimpses of His leading beyond my comfort, the easy, or routine. As a Believer, I hope to spend many of my summer days God-dreaming, offering my calendar and heart to God to plan and dream for His causes--unforced and unrushed, without an agenda or restriction, just Jesus. I have always been about the forward motion propelled by time offered to Jesus. Summer God-dreaming over the years allowed His wonderings within my heart to grow and flourish. There have been so many private brainstorming sessions with Jesus, His creative sparks that transformed lives, mission trips planned, sweet friendships enriched, and one-on-one witnessing accomplished through summer God-dreaming. Let me tell all the would-be-summer-dreamers, "You are worthy to have a dream!" Time offered to Him without expectation is another form of worship. Beyond the barbeque and beach pictures, my passionate summer advice to all my girlfriends and sisters is to set aside some time this summer to God-dream. If we give God room, He will begin to share His purposes with us.
“For the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth, so that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His” 2 Chronicles 16:9, NASB.
Have you held captive a small, Spirit-led voice within your heart speaking something new -- often uncomfortable but exciting at the same time? Have you heard His call wanting to stretch us, call us forward, direct us down a new path? That voice speaks most loudly in times of God-dreaming. We often fear speaking or sharing those soft-spoken dreams with even our closest friends and family. He sees another version of His creation—not the weary traveler or timid pew-sitter. He sees our capacity, our highest version, empowered by His Holy Spirit. He sees the girl He created with His purposes in mind when He designed us for His use and glory. What a thought! When we connect with His voice and give Him room to flood our hearts and minds with His thoughts, wow.
“Now, all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. “ Ephesians 3:20, NLT
God's Word so beautifully demonstrates this creative principle! In the book of Esther, we read about an orphan, a despised young Jew held in captivity. I can imagine she dreamed a lot. Her people were taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar. Her conditions were not desirable--the perfect atmosphere for dreams like, “I wish I were rich, out of captivity, married with an ideal house and white picket fence, etc.” Esther's dreams were different. God chose Esther to save the Jews because she began looking more like Christ than a girl identified by her lack. When she dreamed of her future, it was in Christ, not her comfort. Looking at her past, Esther saw God's hand of mercy, not bitterness and unforgiveness. When she stepped into her present, she trusted God with her future. She found favor in the King's court because God anointed her for His miracle work! She knew His voice and spent time listening. We can follow Esther's example by walking step by step with our Savior, staying close to hear His voice, allowing His dreams to flourish in our hearts, and obeying what He instructs us to do. Giving God time to flood us with His dreams is about getting us where He wants us—our inner GPS leading us to our destiny. Esther may have dreamed of being a queen—a little girl dreaming of a pretty crown, elaborate occasions, and an extravagant lifestyle. However, time spent with her Savior transformed Esther into a woman of God with ordered steps to live out His purposes as Queen and save her people. God shares His dreams to accomplish His will and purposes--always. Allow them to roar in your heart for such a time as this.
“I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course." Jeremiah 10:23, NLT
When God's love, sacrifice for our sins, the reality of eternity, and God's beautiful gift of forgiveness become real, we stop living our shallow, small dreams. Instead, we begin seeing how God desires to use our lives to share His Gospel through our lives. God is the dream-giver. If you dream of having a community, plant yourself in church. If you dream of teaching, get to know His Word and teach for His glory. If you dream of traveling the world, sign up for a mission trip and serve His cause. When He calls you, be obedient. Like Esther, walk through the door. Every door God opens leads to another grander foyer, from glory to glory; that is God. We cannot imagine the plans He has for us. We cannot fathom the opportunities He gives us in our daily obedience to come closer to those plans. Spend time listening to His voice this summer.
Bonus: Remember, God does not change His mind. If He called you once, the call is without repentance. God has still called you. Listen to the Dream Restorer. He will complete what He started in you.
“God's gifts and God's call are under full warranty - never canceled, never rescinded.” Romans 11:29, MESSAGE
