Have you ever had to lay down a dream? Perhaps the dream of having a child, a certain career, a house, it could be a million things. Mine was for my husband and me to be in full-time ministry. This dream caused tension in our marriage. When I did lay it down, peace resonated in my soul and in our marriage. It became evident to me that I was focusing more on the dream of full-time ministry rather than on following Jesus Christ. Ministry was my idol. I knew I needed to lay down my dream of full-time ministry. At that time I didn’t know that His dream for us was infinitely greater than anything I could think or imagine. I just knew I was laying down a dream that was seemingly embedded into the very fiber of who I was. So, I prayed, and prayed, and prayed some more. I declared to the Lord that I was going to be the best wife and mother I knew how to be by supporting Mark’s thriving career in advertising, and raising our three children.
It was an incredible transformation that occurred in my heart. I experienced the peace that surpasses understanding. When I gave up my dream, my agenda, and plans, our marriage became more loving and less contentious. Mark felt less pressured to be and do something he didn’t feel called to.
I learned so many lessons from this season in our lives. First, holding a dream so tightly that it robs you of relationships and hinders your ability to love the Lord and trust Him with your life, is not a dream worth having. Secondly, a ministry is not the goal, Jesus is. Third, laying your dream down gives God the opportunity to fulfill His dream for your life, in His time. Finally, I learned that God will always do infinitely more than I can imagine. Years later, Mark went into full-time ministry and is now a pastor at Bayside Community Church.
Questions: Share your first dream. Share about a time in your life when God’s dream was different than your dream.
Prayer: Father, let us experience the depths of your love for us when we lay down a dream. Help us to intimately know that you are infinitely more and we can trust You with our dreams; with our lives. We love You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Julia Mateer
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I can relate to what you shared today. 7 years ago, God called me to leave my career and a lucrative promotion I was about to be offered to raise and homeschool my children. That decision has led to a much fuller life than I had imagined. God truly knows best. Wise words Julia!
I always love your testimonies Bonnie. You are such a great mom and wife…and a faithful follower of Christ. Bless you!
This chapter has been the most difficult for me – “Trading your dream for his” is where I have been living. Although I know in my head that’s what is required, the act of doing it joyfully has been eluding me.
My “first” dream – is very much what my dream is now. To positively inspire people to be the best version of themselves.
Currently, my personal dream is to be married to a Godly man. However 11 years post divorce, this still hasn’t transpired.
The struggle to turn that dream over to God and love out His dream for my life… is my struggle.
I plan to re-read this chapter and focus on the i3 exercise.
There is real pain in laying down a dream. As you know from the book, that is one of the toughest for me BUT I’ve experienced His great love and grace as I’ve surrendered to Him…and He will do that for you as well, Kimberly! Bless you.