So Umm…Who Said You Had To Understand My Dream?!

There comes a time in our lives when we just have to do what we believe we are supposed to do, even when folks (or even when we ourselves) don’t fully understand or agree.  We often try to explain our way through in order to make people feel better about the decisions we make. At times, we even keep ourselves confined to a much smaller place in life just to satisfy others when we can’t seem to convince them to believe in our dreams.  Instead, we convince ourselves that maybe they are right. Maybe our dreams are too lofty.  Maybe we should play it safe and do what everyone else is doing.  But those dreams and desires are tugging at our hearts!  They trouble us when we sleep! We scream silently when we see other people doing something similar. We try to get away from it but there is something on the inside- something so much bigger than we are- that is compelling us to break out and go after this thing with all our might and when we finally go for it, folks don’t always get it!  They question your ability, your skill level, your resources, and your sound judgement.  But you know what? So what! There are things, desires, and dreams that people won’t get until the full manifestation has occurred.  So, It’s ok.  Go for it anyway. Now is the time!

I often think about the stories of Abraham, Joseph, David, and Hannah.  Abraham had to leave behind all that was familiar (including his father’s house, family beliefs, family traditions, and his family) as well as the way he saw himself (too old to become a father) in order to step into his promise/purpose (Gen. 12).  David (before his kingship) seemingly wasn’t even considered worthy or a son.  When David attempted to do something big- something that others were afraid to do, his own brother reminded him that he (David) was just called to handle a “few scrawny flock of sheep (1 Samuel 17:28).” Joseph, the dreamer was already hated by his brothers but they hated him even more because of his dreams.  His brothers plotted to kill him but instead, umm… just sold him (Genesis 37). Hannah  wanted something (a child) so badly. Her own husband didn’t understand her desire.  He said, “Aren’t I worth more than to you than 10 sons?”  His other wife Peninnah (who had children) taunted Hannah. On top of that, when she poured out her heart to God, the priest Eli saw her mouth moving without words coming out.  He jumped to the conclusion that she must be drunk (1 Samuel 1). Each of those people went on to do something life changing- something extraordinary- something that forever impacted lives and the world as we know it! No, they were not perfect but they knew they had a course to follow and they followed it in spite of the loved ones who didn’t understand- in spite of the doubt and doubters, the taunters, the faithless, and in spite of the fear that tried to creep in! 

What’s my point? I guess my point is just to say, “So what!” In the midst of folks not understanding or “getting you,” step out anyway. If it is something God placed in your heart to do, you must to do it. Otherwise, you’ll eventually regret not stepping out and going after what you believe you were supposed to do and have.  Take the chance to go after that thing that is bigger than you.  “Wendy, what if I fail?” So what, what if you don’t? What if you do? Don’t fear failure!  “Wendy, what if folks don’t like my singing, my art, my writing, my preaching, my…?”  And your point? ”They already say I think I’m better than they are.  I’ll lose the relationship if I really go after my dream.”  Oh, come on now! Stop it!  Listen, this thing is more than about you! It’s about God getting done what He wants to get done in the way He wants to do it!  He has lives to touch, impact, and impart into through you! We can no longer afford to live small. We can no longer afford to hang out with dream killers!  We have lives to influence and save (see Genesis 50:20-21).  No more excuses.  Folks don’t have to understand you or your dream. As a matter fact, get it in your head that they probably won’t because God gave your dream to you, not them. Still love them just don’t let them stop you!

I hear the sound of the abundance of rain (1 Kings 18). So, umm… get your life together and do what you are supposed to do! Get in God’s presence and in His word and get off of your bed of excuses (John 5:7)! Refuse to stay stuck in the same place! Elevate your mind.  Get your hopes back up. Get your dream back. Go for it all! Give it all you’ve got! Fuel your passion.  Keep something in front of your face that will keep you inspired- something to remind you that you have the promises, the skills and the courage to step into your promised place (some of mines are in the pictures on this post). Envision the extraordinary and then live extraordinarily! Get out of the boat and walk the waters.  Do It Now!  Don’t miss your season. Put some actions behind your faith! Go pick up the computer and pen that Grammy & Dove award-winning song. Pick up the microphone and let the world hear your powerful voice! Start writing that best-selling, Pulitzer Award winning book. Go back to school. Start the business. Don’t just dream about it.  Take some steps.  He’ll show up for you! It’ll work! Don’t deprive the world of the chance to see God’s light shine through you.  Give God the opportunity to do the incredible through your life so that He can draw others to Him.  If the people discourage you (sometimes even out of love and fear), criticize you, hate on you,… I guarantee you, when the incredible happens, those same folks will say they were in your corner from the very start!

Live Extraordinarily In Christ!

~Wendy M. Reynolds