Dreams Are a Curious Thing

Dreams are a curious thing.

These gifts...these visions...these hopes have the ability to push us forward, moving us from on place to the next. I'm sure you've heard the phrase "living on a dream."

Still, these same aberrations can paralyze us with fear. They have an immobilizing effect. Stand still too long and you'll find that you've taken root in the very place you planned never to live.

Or perhaps, sometimes you might find yourself in a deep night...unable to see the stars for the clouds...living in doubt fearing that the next step is your last. Only calamity could lie ahead.

Yes, dreams are a very curious thing.

I'm what some people call a dreamer. I have dreams--big dreams--dreams that could never happen on their own. But for all my dreaming, I'm not a planner and far too often I find myself planted, unable to move, looking for little stars of hope, just paralyzed.

I think more than anything it's the fear that does me in. Fear that God's dreams in my heart won't come true. Fear that I've made it up. Fear that I'm living a lie. My fear that I will fail and fail miserably.

But that all is of the past.

God's word is insistently clear. God's perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). So why am I afraid? Why do I fear? I know that "He who began a good work in [me] will be faithful to complete it" (Philippians 1:6). His Word is light to my path. He guides me in all things, even my dreams, and He orders my steps as I dwell in His Word (Psalm 37:23).

I've started making my plans, ever so small. It seems these small shifts are just enough movement to shake me from my slumber and to help move me forward. It all starts with one small step...doing what I can do and believe that God will do the rest.

I challenge you with this. Dream big and plan small. Start today. Never let fear be the cause for delay.