Are you living life by design?
When it comes to goals and dreams, we tend to shy away from explicitly talking about them, exploring them or actually following through.
Most times it is because we are afraid that we are just big dreamers but nothing will really come to fruition. We label our dreams as “too crazy” or “out of reach”. Other times we are optimistic and are excited in the formative stages of pursuing our big goals and dreams but when we start experiencing a bit of rockiness along the way, we start thinking that maybe, just maybe, we’ve bitten on more than we can chew. Doubt and fear then creeps in. Insecurities resurface and sometimes the words of naysayers whom you defiled when you started start echoing in your head. You question yourself. You question your dreams.
What we don’t realize in this moment is that, when we question ourselves and what was planted in us, we are actually questioning God. We are not only sizing ourselves up but we are sizing up God too (remember, He lives in us). What we are communicating to Him in this instance is that, “er, Lord, I trust you but not that much. So allow me space to figure this one out for myself”. We act out this way, forgetting that God is able.
Living your wildest dreams
Ephesians 3:20 MSG articulates this soundly by reminding us that: “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.”
This is very important because it reminds us of the power that God has. It prompts us not to size up who He is and what He can actually do in our lives. The inclusion of “your wildest dreams” isn’t by coincidence. Those words are there to spring us up into action. Faithful action so we too are able to someday express “I’m living my wildest dreams.”
The last part of that verse is equally important as it reminds us that God is not a bully that he needs to push us around to do things. It emphasises the gentle ways in which God operates. It emphasises that the attainment of our “wildest dreams” is a collaborative process which can only be achieved when we come into oneness with God (partnership).
Alignment
In his devotional, Daring Faith, Rick Warren says “Let the size of your God determine the size of your goal.” I had an aha moment when I read this. I understood immediately that the size of my goals (dreams) is directly proportionate to my faith in God. Also that, The depth of my faith in God is what guides the actions I take towards fulfilling and realising my goals and living the life of my dreams. When I procrastinate, quit, defer, shy away, or walk with a scarcity mindset, these are telling of how trusting I am of God to fulfil what Ephesians 3:20 and other Bible verses say. I size Him up by implying that He is not able or capable.
The realisation that I’ve been Sizing up God albeit unintentionally leaves an awry taste in my mouth (it’s unsettling). But with this newfound knowledge, I am empowered to walk in faith, into the fullness of what God has prepared for me.
The big dreams we have actually honour God. When we aren’t dreaming big, we are actually dishonouring Him.
So go on, honour God by dreaming big. In dreaming big, don’t be rattled by or concerned about how you are going to achieve the said goal. That is God’s job. Show exemplary faith in what He can do through you by taking timeous action.
If you want to live your “wildest dreams”, the life that God has designed for you, then stop sizing Him up.
Reflect:
Take your journal out and answer these questions:
How have I been sizing up God?
In which areas of my life do I need to display trust in God?
Which dreams and goals have I not pursued because of a lack of faith?
How has my procrastination (add your default response here) impacted me from living my “wildest dreams”?
What steps do I need to take to make things right with God?
If you need help navigating this chapter of your life, book a session now and let’s unpack.