When I was a boy, I dreamed of playing professional basketball. Some told me I was crazy, but I didn’t want to listen to skeptics. ‘Whatever you believe you can achieve’ was the motto I liked… so I believed. For some reason, though, I didn’t achieve. That dream never came true.
When Taylor was born, I dreamed again. “My boy is going to be a professional basketball player!” When he was two years old, he could dunk on the play goal in our home! But despite those early accomplishments, I don’t think this dream is going to come true either.
A long time ago, a son told his family a dream he had: “One day you will all bow down to me.” Sounds like a pretty arrogant dream… but it came true. This dream was not fulfilled because of goals young Joseph set or because father Jacob had connections in Egypt. Joseph’s dream came true because, despite every imaginable obstacle, God brought it to pass. It was His purpose.
It was not God’s purpose that I play professional basketball. I’m confident He has greater purposes for my son and daughters. Their dreams of God are much deeper than mine. The Father has vision that is clear and precise. My vision is often blurred and imprecise, which is why stories like Joseph’s encourage me. “How does this pit fit into the dream You gave me?… slavery?… prison?… Lord, I can’t see!”
God sees… and occasionally He lets us catch a partial glimpse. One day we’ll see clearly, but until then, we please Him by walking in faith. May we believe in Him no matter how things look. May we know His heart and trust His purposes.
“I see what you can’t. I see the beginning, the end, and everything in between. When all seems to go against you, trust Me. I do not forsake my chosen ones. My solid purposes are rooted in My Son. He also trusted Me as He walked the earth, enduring every type of trial and temptation. He always kept in mind that nothing is impossible for Me. You should keep such truth in mind, too. Seek My vision and pursue My purposes and you will not be disappointed.”
“But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” Psalm 33:11
“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:10-12