Old Dreams And New Ones

Today I got a glimpse of something I have to give up in order to obey God's call for my family to become church planters in Italy. I had the opportunity to fulfill a dream that I've had for as long as I can remember and I had to pass it up... and quite honestly, it stinks.

Don't get me wrong... I'm so excited about what God has called us to, but right now my life is filled with writing newsletters, stuffing envelopes, filling out passport applications, training, etc. There is no time for my dream anymore and it's a little sad.

Okay, a lot sad.

But I knew this when I said yes. Yes to God and yes to His plan for me. And I would do it again. But tonight, I grieve...

I know it won't be the last time, but He's worth it. So I cry while I type this, knowing that my Heavenly Father is collecting my tears in a bottle. As I struggle to lay down my dream, He is there, my ever-present Comforter. Even while He comforts me, He reminds me of a new dream. One so big I could never have conceived it on my own. A dream that I can never fulfill in my own strength and power, but only by His might.

So I embrace the dream... His dream, not mine. I know it will not always be easy and there may be many more nights like this. But there will also be days that I can only imagine now... days when souls are saved and lives are changed. God is giving me the opportunity for a front-row seat to what He is going to do and that is definitely better than any dream that I could come up with on my own.  

Thank you, Lord, that you don't just settle for fulfilling MY dream...