In Sunday Sch
ool yesterday we were talking about what God has in store for us and how we don’t dream nearly as big as He does. And I admitted something that I hadn’t vocalized before. Most of the time, when I think about the big plans God has for me, I assume that I won’t really like them.
Like he’ll want to use me on the mission field in some far-off country where you can’t drink the water and people kill Christians. And he’ll use me to accomplish great things but in the meantime I’ll be really, really uncomfortable and wish I could just go home. Like earthly home with flushing toilets and soft-serve ice cream. Big like that.
And when I admitted that I suspect I won’t like the big things God has in store for me, I got quite a few nodding heads and murmurs of agreement.
When I dream big dreams about my writing career–reaching millions of people and sharing the message of God’s love–I tend to think there would be a catch. Yes, there would be perks–money, recognition, lots of warm fuzzies–but there would also be a price to pay. Loss of privacy, scrutiny, overwhelming responsibility, criticism.
And maybe there would be. I mean, we are this side of heaven. But why do I assume that God would give me my heart’s desire wrapped around a rock? Matthew 7 says, “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
God has big plans for each one of us. He has big plans for me. The only thing standing in the way is . . . me. I’ve asked God for many things and he’s given me quite a few of them. It’s time to stop worrying about what he might expect from me in return. He’s already told me what he expects–everything. And he wants that no matter what.
And, of course, he’s told me what he’ll give me–everything. And that will never change, either. And isn’t that the best news?
Meet Sarah
I’ll admit I too have had that concern. Don’t ask God what He wants me to do unless I really want to know! It might be something completely out of my comfort zone I’ve thought. Thanks for bringing “the facts” to my attention. :-/
It’s that trust business that hangs me up every time!
There were many times I thought I knew what God wanted me to do – what He destined me for – but I was wrong.
Now – I haven’t a clue, and maybe that is the receptiveness that He needs.
The only thing I know for sure is that when I think I see what he’s up to . . . I’m wrong.
Hurts to laugh, but I’m laughing! Good one, Sarah!
BTW – you’re an inspiration.
That’s just about the nicest thing anyone’s said about me ever! Thank you.
There have been days when I’ve wanted to give up – like, perhaps, today – and something you said made me hold out for a few seconds more, until I could get my strength back.
It is I who owes you thanks – more than you will ever know.
I confess to thinking this way: “why do I assume that God would give me my heart’s desire wrapped in a rock?” Definitely. I know God always does things on a scale I can’t imagine, but that also does involve sacrifices on a scale I hadn’t planned for. Here’s to being surrendered and expecting the good gifts from Him.
Because you KNOW he picks out the BEST gifts!
“Why do I assume that God would give me my heart’s desire wrapped in a rock?” Ouch. That hit close to home. I’m guilty of thinking this, as well. I feel like I’m daring him to disappoint me. Yikes! Not a great way to approach the God of the Universe. Thanks for sharing your honest, heartfelt post. Isn’t it encouraging to know you are not alone?
Thanks for confirming that I’m not!
Ohhhhh, I LOVE this!! I am bookmarking it.
SO much wisdom, Sarah.
But you and I both know that He sends us blessings wrapped in so many other things besides rocks. And from people we’ve never met, who for some odd reason, think we’re special.
I’ve learned in the last few years, that He gives us the desires of our hearts, even when we are too afraid to admit what we’ve been hiding away.
God surely thinks you’re special. Each one of us is his very favorite. : )
That sounds like a Maxism! 🙂
I loved this, Sarah. My challenge is to let myself even dream big dreams. I’m afraid they aren’t God’s plan for me, so I’d rather be safe on shore than out in the middle of the ocean, bobbing around, lost. I sometimes forget that His gifts are always good gifts, even though they’re sometimes wrapped in odd circumstances.
Thanks for the encouragement to dream big dreams and then trust God to do with them what He will. Trusting God is always a good thing. Loved this post!
I know–dreaming can feel like tempting God to say no–but even if he does, his yes will be bigger and better. So I’m trying to free myself to dream!