There is a big difference between doing something for God and working with Him.
He plants a dream, an idea, inspiration, in each us. When we’re young, or today, that is His size. {Why wouldn’t it be, since it’s from Him?}
And that’s the key.
A God-sized dream isn’t our idea. It can’t be. It would be man-made sized and not big enough to hold the very thing that we want to give Him, that He’s created us for – glory.
Once it’s planted and is recognized as such, a God-sized dream can’t be accomplished by us. It’s impossible without God showing up in His timing and perfect power, sometimes with eleventh hour timing.
These dreams that are God-sized, they are the only kind to think about. Remembering. . .
Sometimes it takes years to deliberate.
Sometimes it looks very different than anyone else’s.
Sometimes it transforms as we grow, in body and spirit.
Sometimes it’s not what or how we planned {or really want for ourselves.}
Sometimes it takes considering how He really sees us before we can even begin to connect our heart with His imagination.
Haven’t we all created plans that seemed to the world they could be from the Creator? Haven’t we wanted to solve the issues of our day, but were only frustrated by lack of ‘I have a good plan for you’ power? Haven’t we tried to serve God by our good works that weren’t ours’ to do?
When we realize God’s thoughts are not our thoughts. {He tells us that.} His ways aren’t our ways. {We like it fast and big. Or maybe really slow. . .in the end, not at all.}When we understand He doesn’t need our service, only our love.
That God’s creativity and imagination are beyond our universe, but free flowing for us. His voice requires lean-in listening, soft and delicate most occasions. {And can at moments be confused with our own voice that says we’re crazy for thinking that.}
We can only then begin to believe He has a role, a God-sized dream expressed, for us to fulfill. That role can be a part of the body that may be covered, not recognized, small or a I-never-asked-for-this-center-stage role.
Either way it’s not our idea. It’s not our dream. It’s His through us.
It’s truly God-sized, God-breathed, God-thought-of, only waiting to fill a willing vessel.
He dreamt of you. Planned for you.
Will you let Him dream for you?
Leave a Comment
Lolita Valle says
Indeed, nothing I can say here, but thanks, in all its power. Such a lovely read and so full of God’s Power and Might!
Donna says
That was so beautiful. I love what you said about He doesn’t need our service, He wants our love. I have an idea that I believe is His calling or dream for me. And I work on it without a love for it or Him sometimes. Monotony sets in. Thank you for the reminder to love first and foremost my Savior.
My dream is different than anyone else’s. I’m not a mommy, I’m not a wife, i’m a little prideful sometimes but He’s teaching me I’m nothing without Him. But God can give a very different person a dream…the dream just turned out different too. =)
When you all started writing about God sized dreams I said inside I don’t have one and probably won’t. But I’m glad for them they’re more brave and wise. Lo and behold God placed something in me. A surprise to me but I have no question that it’s a dream in my heart that He won’t set me free from till it’s complete. Thank you all for being so brave an wise. You have blessed me. You and Holley both. And thank you for listening to me ramble.
Stephanie Bryant says
I’m so glad you clung to Jesus and continued to believe He dreamt of you and for you. . . even when it was hard. So exciting to hear He has revealed His dream to your heart. Exciting!
Charina @ Pondered Thoughts says
Right behind you in letting God dream for us.
Beautiful Stephanie. Thank you!
Cherri Koeberl says
Thank you so much for this post. It means more than words can say right now.
My current “storm” has taken me places I did not see coming, but God has been walking close by my side – we are under His umbrella – He is keeping me close and leading me along when my strength falters. He is ever present on the path I am walking.
I love the idea that the God sized dream cannot be accomplished by us. Impossible without God showing up in His perfect timing and power. Just the way it should be.
Kimberly says
This is so beautiful. I’ve never thought of God dreaming FOR me! I know what my dreams are, but seeing them in the light of His having dreamed them first is humbling. And exciting!
Stephanie Bryant says
This one thought changes everything, doesn’t it?! 🙂
Laurie Wallin says
Totally. That and “There is a big difference between doing something for God and working with Him.” Just letting that sink in will give you goosebumps and make everything sparkle in our days. That “where’s He going right now? What’s His heart beating for?” idea… Mm-mm. Girl, you nailed it!
Mari says
Wonderful thoughts to start the day. Thank you, Stephanie!!!
LindseyMarie says
Yes!!! 🙂 This was so beautiful, such a great thing to read at the start of my day. Thank you.
Liz G says
Beautiful words to start the way with and thank you for the reminder of God’s love, I hope for people who really need to hear this today to know that truth for themselves and their happiness and healing!
Terri says
What a wonderful and needed reminder to start my Resting Day. Discerning between the “My Dreams” and “His Dreams” is a big challenge for me. Thank you for a focused beginning to today.
Kathy @ In Quiet Places says
God’s dreams for us are so interwoven in His purpose for us, we have to pay attention and grab onto a whole lot of faith for the ride!
Mandy says
Thank you, Stephanie. This is beautiful, and it summarizes and describes so beautifully a lot of what God has been laying on my heart.
Bernice @ The Stressed Mom says
This is so good. Sometimes we aren’t even sure what we want, but if we listen and wait, He will be ready to show us.
Bernice
I can do anything I want, if only I knew what that was
Christina says
Absolutely Beautiful Devotional! So very obvious that it was spirit-led. Thank you!
Stephanie Bryant says
Thank you, Christina.
Anjie Clifton says
Beautifully said! God began to teach me this year ago. In the past wanted to do great things for God. Now I want to only be a tool in His hand. What I have learned by doing this…”God sized” assignments are exhilarating! They will also SCARE YOUR PANTS OFF! I wouldn’t want to live life any other way!
Valerie says
Anjie, Love the scare my pants off comment. I only want to have a true servant’s heart.I just recently commented that I felt God was leading me to do something.Now,I know it’s something He wants to do through me!!!
Pam says
This reminded me of one of my favorite quotes by Hudson Taylor: “Attempt something so big for God that unless He intervenes it is bound to fail.”
Lissa Litka says
Very much what I needed to hear when I needed to hear it! Thanks for the reminder to live life on the edge of my seat, waiting anxiously for Him to show off!
Stephanie Bryant says
I think He’s already been showing off through you, Lissa. 🙂
Lynn Schneider says
Beautiful
Lisa says
Sometimes it is hard to distinguish between those thoughts that come from God, personal revelation, and my own personal thoughts. And when you said “{And can at moments be confused with our own voice that says we’re crazy for thinking that.}” That can be totally me. I guess I can do anything with His help, and he’ll never tell me to do something that is “crazy”, right?
Stephanie Bryant says
I know that with God’s leading and direction, He guides us into peace. But there is still an enemy that creates fear and calls us crazy. That enemy can be the evil one or our own voice. God will give courage and passion to move forward with His will, but won’t usually remove the nay-sayers, whether they’re from us or the world. You’re right. He will help us as we live in the dream He has for us.
Lisa-Jo@incourage says
“Either way it’s not our idea. It’s not our dream. It’s His through us. ”
wise wonderful words here, Steph.
Thank you for all you teach me.
Christen says
Gosh, did I need that today! My small group talked just this past week about certain things being God-breathed. It is such a beautiful image. Thank you for these gentle words for us to remember how our dreams began and how they will be filled…not by us but by Him.
Mary @ The Mommy Job says
What a wonderful reminder to enter into what God wants for us instead of what we desire. I working on being that vessle- thanks for the incouragement Stephanie!
Kristen says
Yes, God’s dreams can be so big… and sometimes even feel scary. And sometimes it even can mean deferring the dreams that we have had when we were younger, in order to embrace this *new* thing that God has for us. In my life right now it means making myself smaller, more humble, swallowing pride, surrendering totally and believing that His dream for me is better than the one that I can imagine.
katie @ Imperfect People says
So true! I get busy doing “God stuff ” making myself too busy to sit as his feet. So crazy
Janelle says
Beautiful post. I love the last several sentences you wrote about the dreams being God-sized, God-breathed, God-thought of but the fact that He’s waiting for a WILLING vessel. We definitely have to be willing to do our part.
Dinah says
I want God’s dream for me…but, I have no idea what it is. I never have. I don’t know how to find out what it is. I have prayed about it for almost 2 decades. I am at yet another turning point in my life and don’t know what direction to go. I wish I could hear that small voice. Pray for me please.
In Connecticut
Mae says
In my post below when I was so sure there
were no answers… There were, there are!
Open your parachute.. He will step in and turn
your world around full-circle 360• all wonderfully
designed just for you. That’s His promise!
Claim it..
Mae
Amy @ themessymiddle says
What resonated with me the most right now is the part about timing. God’s dreams may take years to accomplish … or not. The timing is His. I, too often, forget that and want it to be on my time table.
Mae says
I too never thought to Let God dream for me!
What is amazing that had at one point in my
Life is: when I asked for His guidance and looked
Out my glass patio door a full moon- lit night, He
Whispered in my ear: if I can put this moon up every
night, and raise the morning sun ever day. I can answer
your prayer to find a job! The next morning,
I made a phone call was back to work in a week’
Because I asked, He listened! That’s amazing Grace!
I’m at the same juncture at this stage of my life,
The economy down-turn won’t stop Him this time
either! I’ll keep you posted on my parachute !
.
Sarah@Speaking of Truth says
Stephanie, I missed this post when it was live somehow, but it means the world to me to read it today. I’m taking a little prayer sabbatical this week and have a huge need to just let God infuse me with HIS value and vision for my life. His. His His His. Not mine. Not anyone else’s. Thank you for these beautiful, encouraging, and challenging words. Just what I needed, friend.
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aimymichelle says
great post.
Becky @ Just the other day... says
His dream. Not mine. Exactly. At the very moment I was struggling with why I am to be “center-stage” when it is so uncomfortable, I read these beautiful and confirming words. Thank you.
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