Chasing God-ordained Dreams
By Christa Cottam
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20
When was the last time you chased a dream?
My daughter loves to imagine fantastic scenarios, often saying, “What if I could turn into a cat?” Or, “I want to invent a car that flies."
I almost always have the same reaction. I listen, respond with, “Wow, that’d be awesome!" then list all the reasons she couldn’t do it.
There’d be no harm in me simply listening to her. Why do I feel compelled to snap her back to reality, to suppress her imagination and desire to wonder?
At what point did I give up dreaming?
I suspect I left dreaming in the dust as life experiences created a fear of failure. Or perhaps I shelved my passions believing I didn’t have the education, the skill, grit, determination, the right whatever to do anything “big" or make a difference?
But scads of Bible verses assert that we can do anything, right?! And there are countless accounts in Scripture of nobodies doing incredible things, so why do we doubt when it comes to ourselves?
Ah, but I’m overlooking a very important detail, aren’t I? Not one of the “nobodies” in the Bible accomplished incredible feats alone. They accomplished them with God—through His power at work in them.
In Ephesians 3, Paul gives glory to God "who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."
So, yes, we can do anything … anything that’s initiated and empowered by Christ!
God, the inventor of creativity and imagination, wants us to dream—big! Not by chasing after whatever our hearts desire. But by approaching Him humbly, asking Him to reveal His dreams for us, the mountains He wants us to move. I guarantee He’s longing for us to ask.
Have you forgotten how to dream? Or gave up after you experienced disappointment? Ask God to help you rediscover childlike wonder and trust.
***
Christa Cottam is a spunky woman with a fire in her belly to tell others about Jesus—how He brought her from being held down by a past filled with shame, guilt and unforgiveness to embrace God’s love and ultimately find freedom to be the person He created her to be. She is passionate about encouraging women to go deeper in their relationship with God. Christa also uses her gifts in the arts and leadership to make kingdom impact at her church, serving as a worship leader and volunteering in women’s ministry.
Visit WhollyLoved.com for more inspirational messages or to book them for your next women's event
FREE Podcast from the Wholly Loved Team!
Listen to our FREE faith podcast, Faith Over Fear! You can find all of our episodes on LifeAudio.com. Listen to our episode on fighting spiritual battles by clicking the play button below:
Originally published Thursday, 30 November 2023.
SHARE
