I Have A Dream

I had the privilege of being part of the Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration in Anchorage this past weekend. I have been involved for several years, and each time I am impacted more deeply – more appreciative of how one man’s dream continues to influence an entire nation. There were undoubtedly many who had dreams in Dr. King’s generation, and while many of those dreams were probably also realized, it is the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr. that continues to ring through the annals of time.

Dr. King was motivated by the oppression of African Americans. What took place in the natural he addressed with spiritual passion. God-given dreams are often prophetic, visions of the future. They are filled with faith, the ability to see that which is not yet seen with natural eyes. Today we celebrate such a dream – a vision put into a man’s heart decades ago.

Dreams have shaped our country and made it what is today. It was a dream in the heart of a small band of Englishmen that launched from the shores of England in three wooden sailing ships. It was a dream that brave men and women saw that gave them courage to press onward in the founding of the early colonies of America.

History is filled with dreams. Those dreams are laden with hope, a bright expectation for tomorrow. God gives men and women dreams to fulfill his purposes. The dreams given to Jacob in Genesis still impact us today. Joseph’s dreams provided salvation for an entire people group.

The Book of Joel proclaims that “in the last days, old men will dream dreams and your young men will see visions.” (2:28) I suggest that God gives guidance through dreams and visions. If a dream is born of God, He will confirm it in many ways. Be careful not to devalue dreams or treat them with contempt because of past experience in hearing what was said to be a “God dream” that proved to be nothing more than man’s desire. God dreams will not only be confirmed by Him, they will be accompanied by peace and the unmistakable witness of the Holy Spirit.

What is the dream God has placed in your heart? What is that secret thought that has been held captive in your mind for years? Could it be that God is giving you a part in His plan for the days ahead? Pursuing your dream will demand great courage and obedience. God’s plan is to take ordinary people and do extraordinary things. I remember my first pastor saying: “Anything that God writes, He underwrites!” When God gives a dream, be assured that He will be faithful to bring it to completion. After all, it is His dream!