Our dreams as children of being athletes, astronauts, doctors, superheroes or princesses seem to hit a giant wall somewhere in adolescence as we are told they are impossible, require too much money, require too much school or aren’t going to lead us to a successful life (whatever that is defined by someone who is older and wiser at the time).
Instead of paying attention to what these dreams tell us about ourselves, we shut them down and tell ourselves to toe the line and conform to the formula of what our culture dictates is our future. That might mean making lots of money, having a marriage and family, being powerful in society, or any other number of definitions that spell success in our culture’s eyes.
I wonder, though, where we listen to God in all of this. The Bible is full of stories of people who were given an identity by God but didn’t believe it. They tried to fit into the identity that society was giving them, which really was just believing the fear when it told them they couldn’t make it. I know that sometimes I get stuck listening to the “wisdom” of the world and dismissing any thoughts of following some of the crazy things God might be calling me to do.
I love reading the Gospels and watching how Jesus taught the disciples, changing their entire worldview in the process. They went from boys who were following the norms of their society to men who died horrible deaths at the hands of those who wished to silence them, all with joy and praise on their lips because of Jesus. They started off believing that Jesus was going to be a military ruler who freed them from the Romans, and slowly grew to realize Jesus’ kingdom was very different and so much bigger than just freedom from a domineering political group.
When we limit God’s work in our lives, or His power to do what we believe is unachievable or impossible, we limit ourselves and what He has for us because of our fear or unbelief. The disciples didn’t need to figure out how to do the things God called them to, though, but simply followed Jesus.
In recent days, I have been challenged to respond differently when I hear God tell me something that makes no sense. Instead of shutting it down and telling Him it’s crazy, I want to ask Him how. I want to change the question, and ask how I move forward in whatever impossible He has for me. I want to jump, not trying to control or see the bottom before I do. That’s super scary, but when we wait or stall or shut down what God has put in our hearts and dreams, we tell Him He’s not enough for it. Instead, He calls us to follow Him, simply and honestly. If we are afraid, that’s ok—tell Him. Ask Him to give us freedom from fear.
If you had a dream as a child, I wonder if you would wake it back up again and ask Jesus what He wants you to know in it. I wonder if the identity behind that dream is really true of you, but you didn’t see it because someone told you it was impossible. Whatever your dream was, ask God what part of it is included in the identity He created you with from the beginning.
Maybe you are an explorer of uncharted territory. Maybe you are a healer for people (physical or emotional). Maybe you are willing to push the boundaries to walk in miracles or faith that no one has seen before. Maybe you are a caretaker and protector. Maybe you are a creator of beautiful or practical things (or even beautifully practical things!).
Ask Jesus to start teaching you who you are. And how to walk in who He made you to be. I believe that as you jump into whatever He has for you (even if it’s scary), you will become more and more free from fear and other people’s opinions. It’s not about what society tells you is a good idea or what would make the most money. I want more and better than that shallow goal. I want to walk in exactly who God has made me to be so that we can do things together (Jesus and me) that no one has ever done before, or that no one ever thought possible.
What a beautiful relationship with God, who sees you as you truly are and never settles for the path of least resistance.
Then you will be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences—the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding—this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God! Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you. Ephesians 3:18-20
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Broken & Hopeful
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