I pray that the launch of a new year includes God and you spending some time dreaming about the ministry you lead. As I work with pastors and churches, I am more convinced than ever that God wants to make a significant Kingdom impact through both. Individuals and our world desperately need the wholeness that only Jesus can bring. Our message isn’t outdated, unnecessary, or irrelevant. It is life giving and world transforming.
I challenge you to DREAM BIG. We serve a God who says that He is “able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we dare ask or imagine.” He begs us to DREAM BIG. Yet it seems that too often we play it safe. Living the Christian life and being the church aren’t about what we can do on our own strength. Both are about what is possible when the power of God is released!
What BIG DREAM does God have for you and your church in 2015? What can God accomplish through you if you throw caution to the wind and take a Kingdom risk? How many lives can be changed? How many marriages healed? How many people can be set free to live the resurrection life?
I challenge you to stretch your comfort zone – yours and your congregation’s. Fear can be so disheartening. The 10 spies were gripped by it. Then the Israelites spent 40 years in the penalty box. Comfort zones are so seductive and appealing, but they are the penalty box in disguise. They rob us of the joy of being in on the action of what God is doing and leave us looking in from the outside.
What comfort zone does God want to stretch in your life and the life of your church? What is He waiting to do through you that just needs you to step out on faith and do what you are not comfortable doing on your own? With a little faith, stepping out is possible. And when you do, going back to your comfort zone is NOT an option.
I challenge you to respond to every dream buster with FAITH. One dream buster that plagues me is having all the answers before I step out. I like to know not only the destination, but also every stop along the way and have every question answered. But God knows that if I live that way, my faith won’t grow. And without faith I cannot please Him.
Someone reminded me at lunch today that when a lamp lights your path (Psalms), you are only able to see one step at a time. I want a 5,000 lumen spot light so I clearly see every thing that is coming up. God usually let’s me see one step at a time to see how much I am willing to trust Him.
What dream buster do you need to put to the test? What would you accomplish for God if you just had a little more faith? What does God want to accomplish through you that requires only one step of visibility?
I challenge you to ACT. Nighttime dreams only become reality if we wake up and act. James says it this way, “Faith without works is dead.” Dreams are merely wishful thinking without action. What is God wanting you to DO? Just do it! Take a step. At least pick up your foot so that God’s dream for your life, for your ministry, and for your church has a chance. Sitting on your faith will not cause people to praise God. But putting your faith into action will.
What ACTION is God calling you to take in 2015? How long will He have to kick you in the seat of the pants before you get moving? What does God want to accomplish through you that will be unrealized unless you take the next step?
Don’t let 2015 be the same old, same old. Don’t just sit and dream. Don’t settle for business as usual. Dream BIG, stretch your comfort zone, lead with faith, and act. Then watch God do an incredible work.
Make a HUGE difference for the Kingdom in 2015. I dare you.
Blessings,
Doug
