Though this latest dream carries a unique message to the musicians associated with IHOPKC, I believe there is a larger message for all of us. I pray that we will view any gift from the Lord as a sacred treasure to steward, and not simply a commodity to be marketed…
I dreamt that I was in Mike Bickle’s office at IHOPKC, watching a transition take place. The office itself was huge with massive bookshelves on the walls behind Mike’s desk. It was clear this space had been built and designed specifically for him. But, it had been determined that he needed to make room for a new leader and go to a smaller office in the back. Though neither wanted this, it became a necessity, and they quickly began to dismantle the custom bookshelves to make room for the new leader.
As they began to take down the shelves, Mike motioned to a specially designed wooden T-bar that held up the bookshelves. It was heavy and even had hinges, definitely custom-made (it actually looked like a wooden yoke for oxen). But, as they focused on saving this custom piece, the shelves began to fall. Suddenly, I recognized on an upper shelf, my own violin in its case, sitting open as a trophy piece. I knew its value and had no idea it had been placed there. Evidently, there were several other instruments that had been placed there as showpieces.
In their haste to save this custom support piece, my violin started to fall off the shelf. I only caught it at the last second and was shocked that they could be so careless. This instrument meant the world to me and it hadn’t even been secured, nor did they even seem to notice. They continued on their work with the shelves while I carefully examined my instrument to make sure it was OK. I was in tears realizing how easily I could have lost it.
I’ve been a worship leader my whole life, but I was originally trained as a violinist. And my violin is a very personal expression of my worship to the Lord. I felt the pain in this dream of a gift being used as a trophy piece more than a treasure to protect. It was clearly more important to save the custom bookshelves of this man, than it was to protect the gifts of those who served him. And though I have never personally served in this house, I felt the Lord’s heart for those musicians who have been a part of this ministry who have struggled with their role.
In the current chaos of change, the Lord wants you to know that you are greatly valued. Your gifts are from Him and He longs to guard and protect them as sacred treasures. Do not allow anyone to prostitute your gifts for someone else’s reputation or fame. The Lord delights in your offerings to Him and desires to give you a secure place to minister before Him.
Though He sees your willingness to serve without recognition, the treasure He has given you is a pearl of great price. YOU are a pearl of great price. He desires to surround you with His love as a shield and will direct you to places of His choosing where there is safety and blessing. Trust Him with your gift and follow His voice without hesitation.
The bigger lesson for all of us is this: Obedience is of greater value than sacrifice.
May we recognize the difference and give our hearts to that which truly lasts.
I, too, am a violinist, a graduate of Juilliard. I am guessing that Wanda has been trained likely by a non-believing master teacher, as I was. I have spent the last 50 years under the tutelage of unbelievers and in concert with many profane and idolatrous people as colleagues.
In general the church had orphaned the performing and fine arts hundreds of years ago. I do sincerely hope that this field of study of the arts can be re-adopted under the wing of the church in coming days!
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