Confessions of a Dreamer

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

“Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him. Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more.” Genesis 37:3-5

I have a confession to make: I am unapologetically a dreamer, envisioning what this life can be and the good that can be done. I’m not just optimistic about life—I am overly optimistic about it. It’s not so much a question of whether the glass is half-empty or half-full; it’s about how much space is in the cup for it to reach its potential! Is the glass empty? That just means it has the capacity to be full! I wish everyone would think this way, but I have encountered many doubters and unbelievers along the way.

There is a song that resonates deeply with me, partially because it was a song of my childhood and partially because I believe in its message. Take a moment with me to rewind the clock and go back to the time when Hercules first hit theaters as an animated film. The song “Go the Distance” filled the auditorium with excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead. Here are the words that stand out to me, even to this day:

“I’ll be there someday, I can go the distance. I will find my way if I can be strong. I know every mile would be worth my while. When I go the distance, I’ll be right where I belong.”

I have always had big dreams in all areas of my life. However, the ones that truly excite me aren’t the ones I come up with, but the ones that I feel Jesus has laid on my heart. I believe that if He has said it, it is done! Jesus doesn’t give “God dreams” to tease our conscience; He gives us dreams to pursue a life’s purpose.

When we look at Joseph, son of Jacob (also known as Israel), he, too, was a dreamer. God spoke to him and told him that one day he would lead to such a capacity that his very family would bow to him. The problem was that he was the youngest of all his siblings, and culturally, that would have been out of order. Who was Joseph to lead his brothers? Yet that didn’t stop him from dreaming, nor did it stop him from sharing those dreams.

As the story goes, Joseph sharing those dreams turned into trouble for him. He was thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, accused of immoral acts toward a woman, and left in prison. Needless to say, there were plenty of people who didn’t believe in him or his dream. Still, there came a moment when the Pharaoh of Egypt needed an interpretation of a dream, and it was Joseph’s opportunity to rise to the occasion. He was able to interpret a dream for Pharaoh that resulted in his immediate promotion to second in the land. Joseph literally went from the prison to the palace.

When God gives us dreams, He doesn’t need the approval or support of anyone. His word is enough (He honors it as He honors His name!). I’m thankful that the God of all creation isn’t swayed by the opinions of His creation; rather, He is moved by His own conviction and purpose for our lives.

You might find yourself in a position like Joseph's, mine, or anyone else you know, where there is a stark contrast between what the dream is and the reality you are currently living. I know for Joseph it surely didn’t feel like he would live out his dream while facing all that he did, and yet he was still able to accomplish it because it was God who had given it to him. He truly is able to do infinitely and abundantly above and beyond anything we could ask or think!

Are you lost in the dream? Has your passion faltered? Do you doubt the ability of that dream to come to pass?

Let me encourage you: God’s dream and desire for your life depend on Him—not on you. We have our part to play in seeing it through, but the pressure is really on Jesus. He can work ALL things together for good (Romans 8:28).

In the words of my favorite childhood song:

“I’ll be there someday, I can go the distance. I will find my way if I can be strong. I know every mile would be worth my while. When I go the distance, I’ll be right where I belong.”

Don’t give up on the dream. Don’t shortchange the journey. Keep your head up and trust that Jesus will carry you through!

Prayer for today:

Jesus, I thank You today that You never leave us or forsake us. I pray a special prayer of faith for those who may be doubting the dream that You have given them. If we could do this without You, the dream wouldn’t be big enough, nor would it be impactful enough. You are taking us on a journey that will literally change our lives and the lives of those around us. Give us strength to go the distance and to trust You, especially when it doesn’t look like it’s possible. Amen.