Whether you are dreaming of world change or a new bike, there are four types of dreams — Those that are fulfilled, those that are delayed, those that are denied, and those that are suppressed.
We all can embrace the idea of dreams fulfilled. But what about the others? The delayed dream is tough. Look at God’s promise to Abraham. “Look at the stars, Abe. Count them up. Now look at the sand on the shore. Count them up too. That’s what your descendants will be like.”
That was dreaming big. But did you know that it was a whole 25 years until Isaac was born? The dream given to an old man was amazing – but then he had to wait even longer.
And then Joseph had a dream which he foolishly told his brothers. 13 years later it was fulfilled when his brothers bowed their head in submission looking for a little grain to feed their families.
David was selected by Samuel to be king over Israel. But there was a little problem. Israel already had a king and Saul was his name. So, David had to hide from a guy who was legitimately threatened by the lion killing, giant killing, leader that had the hearts and minds of Israel.
That was a dream delayed for sure. He wrote Psalms from caves, never certain when the King’s men would find him. And then, one day, he is sitting on the throne.
The Dream That Takes Forever to Fulfill
Of all those, the most difficult to live with are those that are suppressed. We’ve all had God put something in our hearts and then we spend our days denying it ever existed or making excuses why it can’t be done. The shadow chases us until we finally give in. But when we don’t give in, it gives up the pursuit and finds another who is more willing.
I remember reading Genesis, when the brothers of Joseph had a little fun at his expense. “Here comes that dreamer!” they said. Leaning on each other’s shoulders, doubled over in mockery, the older brothers had quite the laugh.
The lad with the big ideas wasn’t the most popular brother. He saw things no one else could and it caused division. And so it is with dreamers. They will never be popular. They’ll be called “out of touch.” They’ll be scorned and talked about behind their backs. They’ll lose friends. But someone around here must dream. Someone has to see things the way they ought to be. Someone must articulate and plant the dream in fellow humans.
Maybe no one else will see that dream and you’ll spend your lifetime fulfilling it, alone with only God at your side. Such is the burden – and joy – of a dreamer.
What keeps you from your dream?
What’s your dream? It might be a trip to China or a Chinese cooking class. It might be a ministry to the poor children, or it might be adopting one of your own. It might be a solo on Sunday morning, or a chance to learn how to play the violin. What have you always wanted to do and never pursued?
And what excuses have you thrown up to keep you from chasing that dream? Are any of them too great for God? Just speak out those excuses and see how empty they are. “I’m not skilled?” He’ll give you the ability. “I’m too old?” You might be wasting your skills, your wisdom, your experience. “I’m not experienced enough.” He can cover that too.
The prophet Joel told us that in the last days, “your young men will see visions and your old men will dream dreams.” Could this be a first sign of what’s to come?
Lay on your back and gaze at the clouds again.
It’s never too late to turn the dream suppressed into the dream fulfilled.
The following is excerpted from my new book, Living a Life of Yes: How One Word Changes Everything, 2019, Illumify Media.Whether you are dreaming of world change or a new bike, there are four types of dreams — Those that are fulfilled, those that are delayed, those that are denied, and those that are suppressed.;321`
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