Dream Big: Eliminating Obstacles

January 5, 2009

In this morning’s post, Dream Big: Lay the Foundation, we looked at how to build resolutions that last by dreaming big. Dreaming big is not as easy as you might think, but it is what God wants for your life.

Why Dream Big?

When you dream small, it shows how big you think God is. You fold Him up and put Him into a little package that feels safe. Then you take the reigns of your life and drive yourself wherever you think God would have you go. And when it all ends badly, we blame God for the mess. I’ve done it a hundred times.

God wants something better for each of us. What’s so big in your life that you think it’s hopeless? God can handle it. What problems in the world really get your blood boiling? God can handle those, too. What dream do you have buried so deep inside that it feels obscene and insane? God can make it happen. When you think big, it shows the world (and your kids) how big your God is.

“But I just can’t do that! It’s stupidity. I’m afraid of being hurt.” If that’s what you’re thinking, let me show you how to dream big.

God Loves You

It begins with understanding how much God loves you.

“God loves you.” What a tired and trite saying. We’ve reduced it to a greeting for all occasions and a bright yellow sticker for the bumper of your car. But the truth behind that statement has tremendous power. It has the power to set you free and transform your life.

Consider this:

God created you. He knit you together in your mother’s womb.
You know that freckle on the end of your nose? He put that there.
He gave you your temper, your love for ice cream, and your sense of humor.
He has wonderful things planned for your life.
He loves you unconditionally with a love that goes beyond our understanding.
He who knows you best, loves you most.

He Who Knows You Best, Loves You Most

Knowing how much God loves you, enables you to dream to big. Once you grasp God’s love for you, you are no longer defined by success and failure. You are defined by how God views you as His beloved child, His prized creation. He declares that you are precious, unconditionally. Get your mind around that, and you become free from the fear of failure and the fear of people.

How Big Is Your God?

The next step in dreaming big is to understand God’s greatness. Let Him out of that little box you’ve been keeping Him in. He’s bigger than any problem, any hurt, any circumstance that you can throw at Him. He created the universe; He can heal your marriage, save your business, and defeat your demons.

You come to Him with a plea to make the mortgage payment this month. He says, “I can do more than that. Dream Big.” You ask Him for a parking place near the door at Wal Mart.” He says, “I can do more than that. Dream Big.” You ask Him for traveling mercies and a good night’s rest. He says, “I can do more than that. Dream Big.”

It’s a new year. Dare to dream big. Succeed or fail, it won’t change what you’re worth. It won’t change how much God loves you. It won’t change a thing- except the world as we know it.
So what are you waiting for? Think outside your comfort zone. Dream Big. Pray Bigger.

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Posted by Jamie | Filed Under Blogging

Comments

Jamie Simmerman

B J, I think we're joined at the heart. :)

Scott, thanks for the wonderful reminder. Sometimes it's impossible to still my thoughts long enough to converse, but I'm working at it.

Lance, It sounds like a wonderful retreat. Never been to one of those, but I hear they're something. I agree with your ideas about dreaming big. It took me a long time to catch on, but I'm trying to make up for it.
Lance

Hi Jamie,
Wonderfully written!

This all reminds me of a saying that was repeated over and over at a retreat I went on a couple of years ago - "God loves you and so do I". And it became more than trite words - they became real. In every sense of the words. And they remain that way today. How does this relate? Well, I think if we do dream big, it's not only God out there helping us along, it's also God working through the many people we come in contact with in making our big dreams a reality. I believe this with all my heart and all my soul - that there are people out there whom God has placed there - and He is working through them in mysterious and wonderful ways! Dream big!!

<abbr>Lance´s last spectacular blog post..And The Word Is…</abbr>
Jamie Simmerman

I went to bed at 4 AM, up at 6, and I find a crafty spam comment in my inbox. Hope this doesn't set the tone for the day. :)
Writer Dad

BIG - it's the only way I know how to dream. I don't mind failure as long as I learn from those unsuccessful moments, and especially as the eyes of my children are upon me.

<abbr>Writer Dad´s last spectacular blog post..Blogopolis Broadcast</abbr>
Jamie Simmerman

Sean, that's my outlook as well. I knew I liked you for a reason. :)
Scott

Don't forget, listen to him. Watch for the door that he has opened when we ask for "things."

It took me 35 years to hear him. To have a "conversation" with him.

It also took me 35 years to realize that just because I ask for something, he may not just give it to me. I may have to do a little bit of the leg work. But, when that leg work is over, what a surprise he has waiting for me!

Thanks for this post! Wonderful!

<abbr>Scott´s last spectacular blog post..Spiritual Thoughts:Something Was Off, But What?</abbr>
B J Keltz

You are not supposed to be in my head, Jamie. Thank you. I needed that.

<abbr>B J Keltz´s last spectacular blog post..With Gratitude</abbr>