Recently I found a list I had written about eight years ago. This list laid out the desires of my heart to God, and much to my surprise the list was very “need” based. But then again, that time in my life was defined by very difficult hardships, which took its toll financially, emotionally and spiritually.

A few months ago, I signed up for the “The Ultimate Prayer Warrior” Small Groups class being held at my church. I’m so glad I did because something awakened in me, and I began to hear God speak to me like I hadn’t heard in a long while. During this time, God begin to deal with me about my ability, or should I just be honest and say it: my inability to dream.

As I reflected a bit, I realized I’ve always been realistic, practical, logical and afraid. I was afraid to hope and dream for things outside of what “I” thought was achievable or possible. I was more afraid to dream beyond the needs that had not been met yet in my life at that time. I thought I was keeping it real. I was just keeping it safe, and I was denying myself the joy that is found in dreaming.

One night during the prayer portion of Small Groups class, God began speaking to me. He told me that HE was opening the door to my dreams again. He told me that while I had faith, my fear was preventing me from taking the risk to dream.

It was a few weeks after this that I found my old list of “desires.” I began to wonder: if I write a list now, will it be different? The answer is YES! Over time, I embraced the open door, and found the joy in venturing outside the bounds of my practical mindset. I am still learning not to cap my dreams with reality. And as I dream, I am cautious not to list one need: not one!!

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19 ESV.

I know that whatever I need, God will supply. No questions asked. But my dreams and desires: what does God say about that?

“Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.” Ephesians 3:20 TLB

During that challenging time in my life years ago, I was living in survival mode, and I wasn’t daring to ask beyond my needs. Dreaming was a luxury I couldn’t afford. But I’ve learned all these years later to trust that WHILE I’m dreaming, God is faithful to fulfill His promise to meet my needs. This sets me free to soar beyond the limitations of a need based mentality. In other words, dreaming should not be rooted in our circumstances. Our dreams shouldn’t be rooted at all. God is challenging me to dream again, and I’m going for it.

Don’t let reasoning and fear down size your dreams. Release your needs to God, and trust that He is true to His word: and then, open your heart and soul to the limitless dreams that God has in store for you.

Dream past your needs! Dream often! Dream Big! Dream Bigger!

Related Scriptures:
Philippians 4:13
Psalms 37:4
Ephesians 3:20
Mark 9:23 NLT

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Your Daily Bread-Rooted Dreams