“Close your eyes. Make a wish. Now blow!” How many times have you gathered
around the birthday-person poised to huff and puff the raging inferno (if you’re my age) on top of their celebratory cake? Do you remember the last birthday wish you made? My guess is, probably not. Why? Because most “birthday wishes” are usually crazy things like win the Lotto, get a new car, meet Prince Charming…. You don’t really expect them to come true. They seem like impossible dreams.
God has some dreams for your life that you might think are impossible too. When Leon gave back his wedding band to Elva-Jean after eight years of marriage and said he wanted out, her dream of a great marriage looked like it would go poof, just like a birthday wish. But this dream of a lasting marriage, that God had given both Leon and Elva-Jean, didn’t die. As Elva-Jean buried herself in God’s Word and prayed, God gave her the strength she needed to parent their three kids and not lose hope that her marriage would be restored and be better than ever.
One yes at a time, Elva-Jean followed God through the most difficult year of her life as jobs and relationships were lost and savings were used up. She prayed and they both sought counselling. Many times things looked utterly hopeless — impossible. But Leon finally heard from God and, amazingly, did what He asked him to do. As Leon began to say yes to God, He led him to take care of some long unfinished business in their extended family. And in the process of beginning to follow God in obedience, Leon’s heart opened up and God flooded him with renewed love and brand new respect for the wife he was trying to get rid of. (You can read their incredible story in more detail in the book, due to hit booksellers shelves Feb 1/11)
When God gives a dream, He can make it come true. Does that mean it’ll be easy? Ask Elva-Jean. No, it’s never easy but it’s always worth it. Anything worth having is worth fighting for. What’s your dream? Is it God-given? If it is, don’t lose hope and don’t give up the fight. (Next week’s blog will help you identify God-given dreams) Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:8
Hope for the Rest of Us 
Oh Connie
I was talking to a friend, just the other day, about this. She was sad that God had not been acting on His promises. I assured her, if He promised it, He will fulfill it.
I had my own doubts, at one time, also. It took over 12 years for me to start to see God begin to fulfill the promises He had made over my life. At times, I thought I’d heard Him wrong. At times, I was angry with Him for lying to me. At times, I trusted and believed, without any evidence, Joshephlike.
It’s not done yet. I mean He hasn’t yet accomplished what He said He would. Still, today, I am a believer in His promises.
God does what He says He will do. Thank you for that gentle reminder, Connie.
Aleichem Shalom.
Donna.
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Great post, Connie — I am ready yearning to see how to identify when a dream is God-given.
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