Dream big, because God is bigger!
“God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” – Ephesians 3:20 (The Message)
I don’t know about you, but I always have 100 creative ideas floating through my mind at once. An idea for a book, birthday cards I want to make, a better process for something at work, how I can pair my new skirt with 12 different shirts in my closet… the list just goes on and on, never ceasing.
There is no doubt that I am constantly dreaming.
But do I dream big?
Hebrews chapter 11 is all about faith and starts out by saying in verse 1 that “faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see.” (CEV) So if I am not dreaming big enough, does it mean I don’t have enough faith in what God can do? Am I only setting goals I feel confident I can accomplish myself, not factoring in the Lord’s sovereignty and faithfulness?
These are big questions that are hard to answer, but they’ve been heavy on my heart this week as I’ve been challenged in my work to dream big – because God is bigger.
I’m fortunate to spend a handful of weeks this year in Colorado, coming together for in-person meetings with perhaps the world’s best colleagues.
On our last day of training this week, we were split into groups, separating us from our direct teammates and stretching our fundraising skills as we practiced talking with donors about some new, exciting things happening in the organization. (For those who may not know, I work in philanthropy for a global non-profit ministry, and I absolutely LOVE what I get to do!)
When my turn came around, our trainer read the scenario out loud, and I realized I would need to be asking for $1-5M (yes, that M stands for million – gulp!). I have never asked for a 7-figure gift before, and now I had to do it in front of people I highly respect and admire for the great work they do with higher-level donors than the ones I serve. My brain was racing; am I going to make a fool out of myself? What if I stumble over my words? Am I an actual FRAUD who shouldn’t even be in this room right now?!
Self-doubt isn’t really about ourselves; it is about not trusting the God who gave you the skills and resources and brought you to this very moment in time to do what He’s equipped you to do.
So I said a quick prayer and dove into the exercise with as much confidence as I could muster. And while the “donors” I petitioned weren’t actual people with millions of dollars to give me, I was able to get to the point of asking them for more than $1,000,000 without sounding too shaky or putting my foot in my mouth. And they said yes!
Why did I doubt myself going into this training exercise? It was just for practice, and there was zero risk involved in the 5-minute conversation I had with them as I set up the ask for a large donation. But even though I knew it was practice, self-doubt creeped in and fear tried to take over my brain, my mouth, and my heart.
Dreaming big means acknowledging that Jesus can do more than we could ever ask or imagine, that He not only can, but wants to do things in us and through us. He has the ability to do HUGE things, beyond measure of what our little minds can even dream of.
I don’t know what big things you’ve set aside or written off because you don’t think they’re possible, but I would encourage you to sit down and think, pray, and/or journal and ask yourself these questions:
Reflection:
1. What area of my life has self-doubt taken over? What am I believing about myself and how God has made and equipped me that isn’t true?
2. What does it look like to step out of self-doubt and into dreaming big? How does “dreaming big” look in my life?
3. Do I trust the Lord’s greatness and ability to do more than I could ever imagine? If so, how have you seen Him work abundantly in the past? If you’re not sure you do, what things/thoughts/people are hindering you from trusting His sovereignty and faithfulness?
Gratitude: One area I need to dream bigger in is my personal health. This week, I have been deeply thankful for a team that not only accommodates but encourages when I have changed my eating habits due to health reasons. Our admin team made sure there were plenty of choices in the meals we had together – for both me and others with dietary needs. This may sound small, but when you have a group of over 120 people and are planning multiple meals and snacks for several days, this is a huge undertaking. Accommodation is a gift when it’s easier not to.
Appreciations:
This fantastic maple/chipotle salmon with veggies at Colorado Mountain Brewery really hit the spot after a long day of travel. (They also have a delicious strawberry rhubarb hard cider, if you’re ever in the area!)
When you find a good brand of clothes or shoes that fit you well, never stray. These Judy Blues jeans are my newest purchase from MoCo Boutique, and I can’t say enough wonderful things about the stretchy, perfect fit of Judy Blues. (Also, they run one size big, so it always feels great ordering a smaller size than normal! 😉) And the shoes are from another favorite brand, VIVAIA. Based out of Singapore, this company knows the importance of good support and style. In fact, the flats are so comfortable that I wore my black VIVAIA flats every day during my visit to Hong Kong last fall, and they were more comfortable than the New Balance tennis shoes I had with me!
Welcome to Middle-Age and refusing to wear anything uncomfortable. Coming home. Beautiful weather and mountains in Colorado still don’t compare to pulling into my own driveway, hugging my husband, and sleeping in my own bed. They say home is where your heart is, but I think home is where your heart rests. And my heart is at rest when I walk in the door of my house.
Dreamy, dreamy clouds.
What are the big and little things you’re grateful for this week, friends?
I’ll end this week with a few lines from an oldie but a goodie, “God of Wonders” by Third Day. Let’s sing these lyrics when we need to be reminded this week of how big and good and faithful our God truly is.
“Lord of all creation, of water, earth, and sky
The heavens are your tabernacle,
Glory to the Lord on high
God of wonders beyond our galaxy,
You are holy, holy
The universe declares your majesty,
You are holy, holy
Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth”
Have a great week, dear friends, as you embrace whatever God has in store for you! 😊
Great reminder of our self doubts! Thank you for sharing your gift of words with us. Now I need the deets on these shoes!