It’s time to Dream Again
by Henry Ohakah
Picture by Josh Hild
Sometimes in life, we pass through turbulent and trying times even when we believe we are in the right.
During such moments, we may cry out, “Where are you Lord?” Have you ever received a prophetic word from God and, rather than going smoothly, life brings temptations? You are not alone. Joseph’s first dream made him fall out with his brothers. As if that wasn’t enough, he dreamed yet another dream!
A dream is an idea or vision that is created in your imagination, a strong desire, goal, or purpose, although nobody has seen it. Your dream is not a worthy dream if it is not higher, better, or greater than your present circumstances. It should scare you, and be a reminder of your continued dependence on God. If your visions and plans are not bigger than you, then you really have no place in the grandstands of greatness.
However, it must be a SMART vision (Specific-Measurable-Attainable-Realistic-Timebound) First, you must know what you want and then work towards it with enthusiasm.
Prayer is vital of course, but you must also plan and perform. Planning and praying without performing is useless. Performing and planning without praying will yield no eternal and lasting result. To simply carry on “as the spirit leads” is careless. Listen:
Grace is not reckless impulsiveness. Successful dreams come about as a result of grace AND discipline.
Focus is essential
You must be resolute. You do not just get by and say things like, “wherever the wind blows my boat I’ll go.” No! Position your sail in the direction of your destination. A person with vision is focused, irrespective of challenges: they are not deterred. They don’t allow distractions and circumstances to force them away from their stated course.
Don’t listen to the naysayers
Not everybody will believe that your dream is possible or achievable, some will see it as an impossible venture, and they will see no point in trying at all. Your dream is idiosyncratically “your” dream and not “their” dream or “our” dream. Even when your dream is eventually understood, no other fellow can be as enthusiastic about it as you.
Don’t give up.
When a person of vision encounters failure they do not capitulate. Even when they fall, even if they have to start all over again, they get up and get going until they achieve their desired results.
“Then he had another dream and told it to his brothers. ‘Listen,’ he said ‘I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me’.”
Genesis. 37:9 NIV
