When you get to the end of the year and start making goals for the next year, do you wonder if you are dreaming too big?
Do your dreams and goals seem unattainable? Impossible?
Can I encourage you this year to dream big? But dream big with God next year.
God is our Father, and every good thing comes from Him. Our Father is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, and the Creator of the entire Universe. He has unlimited resources. His word says that He delights in blessing us (Psalm 149:4). And He can do more than we could ever think to ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20)!
But that doesn’t mean it will always be easy.
I think of how Noah must have felt. He was told by God to build an oversized boat–large enough for he, his family, and an entire community of every species of animal and a mate. He had not experienced rain and couldn’t dare to dream or imagine what would require such an enormous water-tight hotel.
Sometimes others won’t understand our dream, and may even ridicule us for it. 
Noah was the object of teasing and taunting by his peers. They must’ve thought he had lost his mind and was wasting his time doing something so unconventional, so huge. When others are jealous of our creative endeavors, and our ability to dream the unimaginable, they attempt to take us down with their words and their deeds.
Sometimes pursuing our dreams leaves us lonely.
How utterly alone Noah must have felt. He chased a dream that God shared only with Him. Even though Noah was God’s chosen for that point in history, I wonder how often he doubted his calling? Doubted whether or not he really heard from God? Perhaps even doubted his sanity? Even in the end, when the rains and the floods came, he had the companionship of his family, his livestock, and God, but he had lost all his friends to the devastating flood.
Noah’s life required not only sacrifice of everything he knew but it also required surrender. He had to surrender his comfort, surrender his reputation, and surrender control. The very act of surrender required faith and trust that all would not be for naught, and that God would be faithful.
Be careful in the pursuing not to be overwhelmed by the individual tasks, and keep in mind the ultimate goal. Don’t be surprised if others can’t see your dream coming to fruition or even mock you for it.
Perhaps most important of all, remember:
What will you dream with God about this coming year?
Hope you had a good Christmas, Doc!
When I see the words “Dream Big”, I always reset to something else.
Dream Pig.
He is, of course, Wilbur, from “Charlotte’s Web”. The pig who implicitly reached out to God, through his friends, to escape the preordained fate of the abattoir.
That outstretched hand, or hoof, is my lodestone.
Aah Andrew, you give me a chuckle on this post-Christmas, pre-New Year day! I’d have to say I’ve never thought of it quite like that and probably never will think of Dream Big quite the same again 😉 But I love the vision of the outstretched hand, or hoof, reach to God for His company, His way, His provision! Here’s to a God-designed, dream-filled New Year!
Dr. Michelle, I struggle with dreaming but yet I know all things are possible with God. We do need to dream with God and he answers those dreams by answering our prayers. Thanks for the encouraging words.
The enemy would love for us to quit dreaming – because in doing so, we won’t live up to the plans God has for us. When you dream with God, you’ve got the screen-writer and producer bringing your life to His stage! Trust Him with your dreams.
Dr. Michelle, I loved your very last quote the most: “The shortest distance to a dream fulfilled is the path of surrender to the dream giver!” I am right now working on my goals for the new year and I definitely want them all to be guided by HIs hand. The Dream Giver’s hand. Love that! Amy
Amy, always a pleasure to see you stop by! Your pursuit of His guidance is the first step toward His dreams for you fulfilled! Praying you see many of His dreams fulfilled for your life in 2015!
I am trying to take this to heart this year, Dr. Michelle. I want to be more proactive with my dreams and run the race with perseverance that the Lord has set before me. All things are possible through Christ who gives us strength! Happy New Year!
Kristi, as long as we do not quit, and we keep our eyes on the Heavenly dream giver, we are assured ultimate victory. In a race, we cannot keep our balance when we are looking down. Keep your eyes looking straight ahead to the one who created both you and your dreams. He runs with you, He brings up the rear, and He meets you at the finish line waiting to say “well done!” Here’s to looking to see what you and He together will accomplish in 2015!
Michelle,
Love, love, love this post. I dream of many things this year. I want to grow closer in my relationship with the Lord. I dream of my blog growing and many other things. I had to tweet some of your positive quotes.
Mary, I always appreciate the encouragement of loyal readers like you! Thanks for the tweets-much appreciated! I will come into agreement with you for your desire to grow closer to the Lord this year. That is a heart desire He is happy to honor! I can’t wait to hear about your journey with Him-I hope you’ll blog about it 😉 Here’s to a year of walking closer to our Lord!