Dreaming with God in the New Year: Part 3

God isn’t focused on looking back and analyzing all of our mistakes or shortcomings to assess what is possible for our future. God is actually inviting us to see ourselves and our futures from a different vantage point.

Dreaming with God is an exciting endeavor. God is always on the move to reveal His nature and His dreams to us. The first step to dreaming with God is TUNE IN to His voice. Through times of soaking in His presence - maybe listening to worship, writing or drawing or reading Scripture - you can easily hear His heart for your life. This is essentially how we renew our minds and take on the perspective of Christ as we make plans, set goals, and dream new dreams for the year.

The second step is THINK BIG - I mean, shamelessly BIG dreams! Don’t diminish Holy Spirit plans by trying to minimize them to fit what seems doable in the natural realm. Think big and put your belief in God’s miraculous power, endless resources, and unmatched kindness. Remember, impossibilities are the perfect starting point for God to show off in our lives!

This week, let’s dive into step three together:

LOOK FORWARD

Isaiah 43 says, “Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.” So often we look backwards at how we acted or what we did last year to determine what needs work for the future. It’s typically how we choose our New Year’s resolutions. But God is always looking forward creating something new in us and for us. Isaiah reminds us not to ponder the past but see the new path God is carving, even in the midst of unfavorable circumstances, for our good. So as you dream big with God, don’t let your past hijack your dream. Keep your gaze focused forward, look with expectancy towards all God has promised He will do.

Hebrews 11 talks about how the universe was created by a word from God explaining that “what is seen was NOT made out of things that are visible” (Hebrews 11:3, emphasis added). You cannot compare what is ahead with what was behind OR with what is lacking. God is constantly creating something new even when the raw materials seem to be absent. How could a guy with a speech impediment speak to a king? How could a baby born in a stable change the world? How could a ruthless, self-righteous man become the greatest missionary of all time? God often pairs people with dreams so big and illogical in the natural that the fulfillment of the dream produces immeasurable glory and generational impact.

Give yourself permission to be in-progress and trust Him to develop you as He simultaneously propels you into a path of life that will radiantly reflect His goodness to the world around you. We all have areas to grow in and don’t worry God will disciple you into maturity in all areas. But keep in mind, your progress isn’t a pre-cursor to dreaming with God. So fight for this invitation to dream with Him; don’t let thoughts of your inabilities, past mistakes, or natural limitations steal away the miraculous aspects fo God’s dream for your year (Heb. 8:12). You are the apple of His eye and exactly the person He wants to use this year to flood the earth with His goodness and power!