Skip to main content

Dreams Deferred

I love classic American literature. One poem that I always enjoyed speaks of what happens to dreams when they are postponed. I'm not talking about temporary material things. This is about life and career choices, family matters, and Kingdom work. But why would a loving God hold off on giving us our desires?

Here's what I've discovered about myself over the years: I am fickle. I think I know what I want, but I usually talk myself out of it it before that "dream" ever comes to fruition. Now, I have also discovered something about God. He created me and therefore knows the true desires of my heart. His timing may not be like mine. He wants to bless me with good things. But my priorities have to be in order.

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

When my focus is on God, He blesses me according to what He wants for my life. And usually, His dreams for me are better than my own. If someone had told me five years ago that I would have a desire to write and publish as an encouragement to others, I never would have believed it. I never imagined I could love doing something more than singing or theatre. Yet, here I am, doing something that I enjoy and craving more time to learn about it so I can honor God with what He's given me. That's the thing about God dreams. We usually don't see them coming.

Abraham was old, and God blessed him with a child making him the patriarch of God's chosen people.

Moses had a speech problem, and God made him the leader of Israel who would confront the king of Egypt and lead God's chosen ones to the promised land.

Ruth was foreign widow honoring her mother-in-law, and God gave her a new family which would lead to the lineage of King David and Jesus.

Mary was a teenage girl, and God entrusted her to raise His son, and her Savior.

Peter was a fisherman, and Jesus called him to follow. He would end up being a leader of the early church.

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)

Throughout the Bible, we read stories of the heroes of faith, and they didn't begin with their dreams being fulfilled. In most cases, like my own and probably yours, God called them to dream differently. He set in their hearts His dreams, which would alter the course of human history. I think when a dream is deferred, God is calling us to chase His heart and dream His dreams. They are so much better than our own.

A Prayer for Dreams Deferred:

God I thank you for creating me with distinct thoughts and talents that lend themselves to specific goals and dreams for my life. But I want more. Help me to dream your dreams. Open my heart and mind to be ready to follow You in whatever path you lead me. I trust you, God with my heart's desires, and I know that what you have for me is more than I can ask or imagine. Thank you for postponing my dreams to make room for yours. Amen.

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Feelings and Faith

Vulnerable moment: it’s been a crazy week. If I’m being honest, the last six months or more have been wrought with uncertainty and so many questions within myself about my purpose.  I’ve been in a season of transition in our family with adapting to having an independent adult child and an independent teenage son-both of whom are thriving. So my purpose as a mom has shifted into steadfast support and guidance from a distance rather than rushing to the rescue, which I know is where we should be with them. This shift has adjusted our marriage. Lyndon and I are both learning how to navigate this new territory, and I’m so grateful we have each other.  My Daddy died suddenly last year, and I am still grieving the unexpected loss and what could have been. Grief is a strange journey and differs for everyone. What I know is Christ gives me the most profound peace when I feel my turbulent heart trying to sway me. But it certainly is a sadness that is layered. Because of these major life...
Post a Comment
Read more

He’s Already Heard My Prayer

This is one of the most difficult pieces to write. My dad, Steve, passed away this morning unexpectedly. He was the “Music Man” in my world who made life a song.  Daddy was responsible for putting me on the stage. At two years old, he stood me on the altar at church so everyone could watch me sing “Victory in Jesus.”   At twelve, he was teaching me how to set up equipment and mix sound. As a teenager, we wrote songs together. His love of music is so deeply ingrained in me that I feel a piece of that is somehow missing now. Things were not always great between me and Daddy. In fact, we went for a long time without having contact with one another. I’m so grateful that God restored our relationship in his final years. Neither one of us were perfect in our relationship, but I always loved him deeply. So today, I’m heartbroken. Memories are flooding my mind, and there are so many things I still wanted us to share. I know the coming days will be filled with waves of grief and the st...
Post a Comment
Read more

Five Favorite Things

  With Valentine's Day coming up, I've been thinking about the "stuff" that I really like. Flowers are great, and jewelry is nice. But if you want a friend gift or something a little more unique, here are a few ideas. Perhaps this post will help you shop for the perfect gift that will become a "favorite thing." For the Music Lover If you are purchasing for a musician or vocalist, you have a ton of options including a guitar pick necklace or keyring to tickets for a concert. Even vintage gifts like records have made a strong comeback in the music community. Things to consider when purchasing for your musical genius: what is their favorite genre? Who is their favorite artist? Before buying that album, make sure they don't already have it. For the Teacher I can tell you most assuredly what many teachers DON'T need: another mug. Even though this seems like a simple, cute gift, as a teacher, I have difficulty parting with any gift from students. I have ...
Post a Comment
Read more