Never let anyone steal your dream

If you read the initial post (August 9) you certainly could appreciate the questions and turmoil that were keeping me up at night. I heard a preacher recently say that it's not a sin to question God because even Jesus asked "Why?" during the crucifixion. So, I don't mind asking God questions (Is this the right decision? What if I fail? What if the money runs out? Etc.) and then trying to be patient while He provides an answer.

Only a few days after vocalizing these questions, I received cards from two friends (Camille and Carol) that were so encouraging. Yes, I checked the postmark, and the cards were mailed the day before and the day of the initial posting. I think that's rather amazing, i.e., that God knows the questions of our heart before we even ask it AND puts the answer in motion before the question is penned.

The next "answer" to my questions was received on Saturday, August 12, as I was enjoying a cup of coffee on the patio. I picked up a pamphlet produced by a favorite radio station of mine (KLOVE) and these are the words I read:

When you dream you move closer to the way God sees things; you see beyond your limitations; you move from where you are to where He wants you to be; you begin to see your goals in their completed state. The question isn't can you dream, but do you have the courage to act on it? If your dream doesn't stretch you to the point of discomfort it's probably not of God. Furthermore, God won't miraculously lift you out of your dream and set you down in the middle of its fulfillment . . . We need to get up every morning with our eyes on our destiny and move steadily toward it. Now for a warning: someone will always try to steal your dream. Always! Often it'll be someone who never had a dream of their own, or if they did they abandoned it. It could even be a family member who reminds you of what God couldn't or wouldn't do through someone like you. What do you dream about? What has God enabled you to see that doesn't yet exist? You'll never out-dream God! "God can do . . . far more than you can ever imagine." Eph. 3:20.

Wow! I know that's a bit lengthy for a quote, but it was so powerful that it just blew me away. I had to read it over and over, and now have a copy of it attached to the frig (where all important paperwork is filed). I hope that it is encouraging to you as well.

My name is Jackie. I am a 1L at Liberty University School of Law. Last night we enjoyed a semi-formal reception with the Interim Dean of the law school, Mr. Matt Staver, and today was Day 1 of orientation. It has been a long day. A lot has been accomplished, and two more days of orientation await. But, today was special because it was a first. It wasn't about an entrance exam, or an application, or a law school visit; it was the day that the dream became a reality.

I am the first to admit that there have been times when I have struggled with this dream. It seems so much bigger than me (and, of course, it is). It has overwhelmed me more than once, and I have ran away from it on more than one occasion. But, it never went away. It didn't hunt or pursue me; it just patiently waited for me to grow up and grow into this idea that I can be so much more than even I see. And how can I say that? Because, it is not me; it is God doing far more than even I could ever imagine. Pardon me for saying it twice, but Wow!