The Dream

Before church began on Wednesday, Pastor Wayne was standing near the front and I went up to say hello before sitting down. He said, “Hey Bill,” then asked me a question, “Are you living the dream?” It sort of caught me off guard and I replied, “Whose dream? “Well, I don’t know.” he said. We then went on talking about tools, equipment and firewood. But, as I sat down, that question stuck with me, “Are you living the dream?” Do I have a dream? Does God have a dream for me? What’s my dream? What’s God’s dream? I think it’s something we need to look at.

The Bible speaks of dreams 21 times, two of which stood out to me. Joseph’s dreams in Genesis 37:4-9 showed the teenager what was going to be in his future. His brothers and father didn’t like the dreams, Joseph had some hard times, but he went on to live out those dreams. Then Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph, had a dream, (Matthew 1:20), in which an angel told him to go ahead and take Mary as his wife because it was part of God’s plan. Joseph said yes and lived out that dream. God has plans for us too. “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). So, how do we know God’s plan for us and how do we live out the dream? The answers are all in the Bible and we can get insight into God’s dreams for us by talking to Him regularly. We have been given specific gifts and talents to use in this endeavor too. Some things that are God’s will for us are: To love, pray, give thanks, be set apart, avoid sin, follow Him, submit/trust, do good, show mercy, be humble and many more. We must be careful to not have our dream based on our plans, our parents’ or someone else’s. Let’s be seeking God’s will, His plans and dreams for us. If we are really into God’s will for us, we will truly be living the dream.