Dare To Dream
A thought entered my mind recently as I was driving home one morning. It had to do with certain dreams and desires I have contemplated in recent times.
At first glance, this thought seemed materialistic and not worth giving due consideration, however, I felt compelled to make a record of it in light of my ongoing attempts to elevate my faith and put my full and complete trust in God.
One aspect of this thought relates to motorcycles. Since purchasing my first (and only) motorcycle fifteen years ago, I have been considering which new model to acquire next. This has ranged between two specific brands; actually three, because my thought processes have shifted in the last few weeks.
At first I was enamoured by the BMW range of grand touring motorcycles. Then I started doing research into the iconic Honda Goldwing lineup. I had pretty much settled on the Goldwing as my choice, (Note: having a choice does not necessarily equate to having funds to accommodate said choice). Lately however, I have been researching Canada’s own Can-Am Spyder lineup. Specifically the RT Limited and the Sea to Sky touring models. As it stands, the Can-Am touring options now have my undivided attention.
Added to that same same thought process was the inclusion of a dream house I’ve always envisioned. A chalet style log home nestled on a hill overlooking a lake, surrounded by trees somewhere in the mountains of British Columbia. In my mind I even incorporated a float plane tied up to the property’s lakeside dock.
After having this rather ostentatious vision, the rational and pragmatic part of my mind kicked in and immediately scoffed at the audacity of even contemplating the possibility of any of this coming to pass.
Interestingly, I am reminded of a certain Bible character who also scoffed at what seemed impossible. Abraham’s wife Sarah, who was in her nineties and barren, literally laughed at the Lord’s proclamation that she was going to conceive a son in her advanced years.
I would not presume to equate the validity of some of my desires with what God was offering Sarah. However, I feel there is a principle to consider; at least as far as having a clear, concise understanding of who God is and what His plans and purposes are for us. As I stated before, on the surface, my desires sound very materialistic. Sarah’s desires were not. Where I see financial restrictions, Sarah saw chronological and physiological limitations. In either case God does not. There is nothing wrong in wanting or having nice things; however we do need to be careful of falling into the trap of things owning us.
God has said He knows the plans He has for us. Plans to prosper us, and not to harm us; plans to give us a hope and a future. This promise from God does not give us an unrestricted license to get everything we desire, but I think it goes a long way in demonstrating God's continual desire for us to experience His best for us - in all areas of our lives.
I have to confess at times I find it difficult reconciling my wants with my needs, especially in light of God’s promises. It’s not that I believe He cannot do it; more often my struggle is wondering whether He will do something for me. Because there are times I entertain doubts, which lead me to question if I’m qualified to receive certain good things from Him.
So, should you dare to dream? Is it risky? Sure. It sometimes feels as if it's easier to scale a sheer cliff face than to actually see your dreams come true. But if you don’t dream, what's the alternative? How do you accommodate Hope and expectancy for the fulfillment of God’s promises in and over your life?
At some point you have to take God at His Word.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11 NIV