Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Pursuing God's Dream for Your Life

Last week I attended the D6 Family Ministry Conference, an amazing gathering of family ministry leaders from all around the world.  Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing my notes from some of the sessions. 



Pete Wilson
First up is Pete Wilson, Pastor at Nashville’s Cross Point Church.  On Thursday morning, Pete shared a powerful message for those of who believe God has given us a dream for our lives or ministries. Pursuing God's dream for our lives is always challenging, and Pete had some great wisdom to keep us on track for the journey.



When in the Bible did God ever give anyone an easy task?

Throughout the Bible God planted dreams, passions and calling into the hearts of His people, but this journey was always full of all kinds of obstacles.  You have some kind of dream, passion, responsibility that God has put on your heart.  What do you do with it?  How do you pursue it?  David's life is a great example.  

God had a dream for David.  In 1 Samuel 16, He sent Samuel to anoint David as king. David's story reminds us that God's into the unexpected.

1. You’re not here by accident. 

Remember, God chose David, and God chose you. Work diligently at what He’s given you today.  David is anointed but doesn’t run off to the crown shop or knock on the door of the palace, doesn’t brag, act entitled, but just goes back to the sheep.  

Don’t be like David who killed the giant.  Be like David who tended the sheep.  Be like David and do the next right thing.  Few people will experience a David & Goliath sized miracle because they think they are too good to tend sheep. 

Relax.  God is working behind the scenes.  David had no clue when he was learning to play the harp that God would use that skill later in the palace with Saul.  God is doing something bigger.  

2. Acknowledge that big dreams have big fights.
Your giant is any obstacle you encounter on the way to pursuing God’s dream for you.  It’s the internal giants that do the most damage:
  • Doubt
  • Envy
  • Anger
  • Despair
  • Discouragements
  • Self-condemnation
  • Fear
  • Greed
  • Unbelief
  • Fear of failure



Both courage and fear are contagious.

Who’s holding you back?  It’s often the ones who are closest to us in life who are trying to hold us back.  God has a plan for your life but so does everyone else.   Being an approval addict and a dream chaser are usually not compatible. 

When you chase God’s dream for your life, people will come out of the woodwork to oppose you.

3. Remember the power of your God, not the size of the obstacle.

From the moment David shows up on the battlefield, all anyone talks about is Goliath – except for David.  David just talks about God.
The problem is usually not how big the giant is it’s how small they make you feel.
What are you talking about more? Your giants or your God?

4. Act on belief instead of doubt.  

Faith is belief plus unbelief but acting on the belief part.  Faith is choosing belief even in the midst of the unbelief. 

David didn’t have access to any special knowledge that the rest of the Israelites didn’t have.  He chose to act on his belief.

Right now there is belief and unbelief in your heart.  Choose belief. 

You’re going to have to decide whether or not you’re going to live for the approval of other men or the approval of God.


So how about you?  What dream has God placed in your heart?  What's holding you back?  What's one step you can take today to move forward with God?

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