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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.

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