Dream Or Discourage

Pastor Allen Wright says there are two kinds of people in the world... two kinds of people that exist in all of our lives. Dreamers and discouragers.

How to tell the difference in your own life is pretty simple. You just have to pay attention to their response when you tell them your dream. For ultimately, they will tell you they are on board with helping you get there or they'll tell you not to bother with the pursuit of your dream. Keep in mind, I'm not dismissing wise counsel and the legitimate concerns that may arise over the course of conversation regarding one's dream, but there are only two possible outcomes when it comes to dreams. Achievement. Or abandonment.

We talked a number of time when it comes to ministry, about pastors and church leaders surrounding themselves with people who will indeed be "on board" with the mission, vision and dreams of the church and what it's looking to accomplish and fulfill for the kingdom of God. But as I pondered this idea yesterday and considered some self-reflection, I couldn't help but think about how many serve and while helping someone pursue their dream, they go home frustrated and bothered for what is, and even more, what is NOT transpiring in their own dreams.

Such a struggle and inner conflict can create some real problems. It can be troubling to continue witness positive things happening in one realm of life only to return or revisit another area that feels like it is in chaos and disarray. It plays on our emotions, robs our strength and frustrates our joy. Eventually is spills over and pours out into other arenas of our lives and can really do a number, if we are not careful in how we respond.

On this #deaconThursday, pray for those who are in difficult places; dealing with inner conflict of perhaps knowing they are where they are suppose to be in ministry, but frustrated by other areas of life feeling as though they don't have a clue. May God help them, as they submit to His will and His ways and acknowledge the true and reality of their experience. Pray for the miraculous, as they cast their cares on Him. Pray for a peace, especially emotional and mentally; that God would bring clarity to the process and direction as to how they should proceed. May they continue to faithfully serve in their calling and ministry and pray for wisdom where perhaps God is preparing them for them for a change in their lives; that whether minor or major, God would do a work within them and through them that will accomplish more for the kingdom of God than they thought and dreamed possible.

For He knows the plans and purposes He has for you.
May we know them.
May we walk in them.
And when we don't understand the twists and turns,
Remain faithfully, trusting in the author and finisher of our faith.
For the glory of God.

- PNC