Much can be learned from those who have actually experienced the fulfillment of their dreams.  One of David’s grandest dreams was to build a temple for the Lord.  His dream was fulfilled! 

". . . the LORD has fulfilled His word which He spoke; . . . and I have built a temple for the name of the LORD . . . ” (1 Kings 8:20 NKJV).

Are you interested in experiencing this type of success?  Then . . .

1.  Dream big and set high goals.

Solomon speaks of David’s dream in the following verses:

"Now it was in the heart of my father David to build a temple for the name of the LORD God of Israel”(  1 Kings 8:17 NKJV).  "But the LORD said to my father David, ‘Since it was your desire to build a temple for My name, you have done well to have this desire’”

(1 Kings 8:18 CSB). (emphasis on underlined words mine)

2.  Pray about every desire.

"But the LORD said to my father David, . . .  you did well that it was in your heart. (emphasis on underlined words mine)  Nevertheless you shall not build the temple, but your son . . . shall build the temple for My name.'  1 Kings 8:20 "So the LORD has fulfilled His word which He spoke; . . . ^“ (1 Kings 8:18-20 NKJV).

God tweaked David’s dream.  The temple was built, but not by David.  It was built by Solomon.  Because David’s motives were pure, he did not seem to mind that it would not be built by him.  Praying about our dreams typically takes us through a process which sifts our motives and forces us to search our heart.

3.  Realize that if God is in it, and you carry it out according to His plan, it will be established.       

“Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established” (Proverbs 16:3 NKJV) The word “established” means “set up or prosperous.” “Commit your activities to the LORD and your plans will be achieved” (Proverbs 16:3 CSB).

Once you know that your plan is also God’s plan, you can begin -  one step at a time - to carry it out.  For now, dream big, and pray about each desire.  God speaks in many ways, but always remember that He will never tell you to do anything that contradicts a Biblical principle.

Make a list of the desires of your heart and then ask God to speak to you about each one. 

©2008 Lauren Fletcher all rights reserved

 Week 3 - Stay Passionate about the Things that Really Matter  

Last week I went into a discount department store with the intention of quickly purchasing a particular item I needed.  After entering the store, I was approached by a man with a distraught look on his face.  This man I did not know began to share the details of a situation which had just taken place with his daughter, and which had prompted his visit to the store to find a product which would remedy her unfortunate predicament.  She had somehow accidentally removed too much of her eyebrows and was quite upset about it.  I had left my husband at home watching the national championship between LSU and Ohio and wondered if this man was enjoying the game when the eyebrow tragedy occurred.  Regardless, after suggesting he purchase an eyebrow pencil, I showed him where they were, helped him find one in an appropriate color, and explained how it should be applied.  He was extremely relieved and very grateful for the help, explaining that he was a single father and really hadn’t known what to do.

While driving home, I realized that, very likely, God had intended another purpose for this unusual encounter, because I sensed that this man needed more than an eyebrow pencil.  He needed an encouraging word about the One who is our Guide, our Counselor, and our Shepherd.  I am very disappointed to tell you that I did not take advantage of this “chance” meeting.  I can remember a time in the not so distant past, however, when I would have seized the opportunity to share Jesus . But, somehow, so gradually I didn’t notice it, my vigilant awareness about the eternal destiny of others had become less prominent. This man came to me for help.  I sent him away with only an eyebrow pencil when I had something of priceless eternal value to share.  Maybe this man knows Jesus and maybe he doesn’t.  At the very least, though, I could have offered a word about the help and encouragement Jesus provides us in life's challenging situations.  I was reminded of Colossians 4:6.

^“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6 NKJV).

 Once we have set a goal, prayed about it, and then received the “go ahead” from God, it is very tempting to assume we can take it from there.  

 I remember my first attempt at sewing.  The initial decisions of selecting the fabric and then a pattern in the appropriate size were made with supervision.  After pinning the pattern to the dress, my first impression was that it seemed too large and too long (probably because of all the seam allowances included.)  Assuming that things are always as they appear, I proceeded to do the only logical thing.  While cutting the fabric, I decided to deviate from the design in preference for what appeared to be right.  I encountered a few problems while sewing as well, because it involved working on the clothing turned inside out.  Of course, that is the very reason directions are provided with the pattern.  A qualified seamstress was available and willing to help, but my confidence in doing what appeared to be logical kept me oblivious to the need.  Are you surprised that my project was never completed?   When I deviated from direction and guidance, my project began to go awry.  I realized, too late, the importance of specifically following the pattern.  It seems unreasonable now that a novice seamstress would attempt to tailor her very first project. 

When it comes to making decisions that affect our unseen future, we will always be considered a novice.  God understands the purpose of His design for our lives. The "seam allowances"  in our lives may seem unnecessary and may lead us to believe His pattern for us is not well suited for the lives we see ourselves living.  Following His design often means we must walk by faith and not by sight.  Though we often see the unfinished side of His plan, and are a little unsure about the outcome, Psalm 139:13-16 tells us it was designed specifically with us in mind.  According to Jeremiah 29:11, His plans for us involve hope and a future.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV).

©2008 Lauren Fletcher  all rights reserved

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