When Our Dreams Seem Too Big (live fully)

Sometimes the dreams God’s laid on our hearts seem too big to ever be possible. It’s then we know we’re walking by sight, not faith.

I’ve learned much from raising a child who has significant disabilities. One lesson that stands out is don’t believe everything you see or are told.

We often have false perceptions. Because perceiving involves observing, and our sight is limited. 

Not Everything You See or Hear Is True

When Rach was born, the small cleft in her palate seemed to be the only thing different about her. Then over time we learned she had a heart murmur, gastro-esophageal reflux, and eventually significant global developmental delays.  

In the lengthening list of things she couldn’t do crept perceptions that meaningful contributions were limited as well. We believed what we could see and were told: that little physical ability equated to little influence.

We wondered what she’d have to give back to others. We wonder no more. 

She may not be able to do much with math or carry on a conversation, but she loves everyone in her path (and those she’s never met). She brightens a world filled with sadness and pain. 

Although we tend to rationalize what might be possible for Rachel (and to some extent that’s wise), she simply lives out who she is. She lives out her life fully, placing no restrictions on what God might do through her. 

Trusting God With Our Dreams

What we were told concerning our daughter looked bleak. What we saw and still see with our human eyes threaten to stir up doubt. 

Yet, God tells us not to walk by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Because following our own understanding places restrictions on the power of God in our lives.

Following our own understanding places restrictions on the power of God in our lives. Share on X

He encourages us instead to walk by faith, trusting in Him to get us where we need to go. Trusting Him to help us achieve even those seemingly impossible dreams He’s given us.

Two individuals stand out as living their life by faith. 

If Joni Eareckson Tada had given into the culture’s perception (and hers at first) that she had little to offer as a quadriplegic, thousands of men and women would have never received wheelchairs or been touched by the Gospel. Instead she trusted God’s promise to work through her.

In her nearly 50 years as a quadriplegic, she’s brought physical help and the hope of Christ to hurting, desperate people around the world.

Scores of people faced with physical limitations would have been left with far less hope if Nick Vujicic had believed the bullies and naysayers in his life.  Born without arms and legs, it looked like he’d have little to offer. Today he continues to inspire people in the farthest corners of the globe. 

The Complete Life

God’s infused each of us with dreams. Dreams that we are to walk out.

Sometimes dreams that seem beyond our ability. Always dreams that can only be fulfilled through His grace. 

Yet walking by sight blinds us to the possibilities. Just because something looks unlikely … just because someone tells us something is impossible … doesn’t make it so.

Instead, in order to live the full and complete life God has planned for each of us, we need to step boldly in His wake. Trusting Him.

In order to live the full and complete life God has planned for each of us, we need to step boldly in His wake. Share on X

Following God, we can be everything He intended, making the greatest contributions possible and fulfilling the dreams He’s laid on our hearts. 

Following Him, we can cast off all the restrictions threatening to hold us back. Because our God has no limits. 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding;
⁶ think about Him in all your ways,
and He will guide you on the right paths.“ Proverbs 3:5-6, HCSB

Reflections

I am always thrilled to link up with Suzie Eller for #livefreeThursday and this week’s prompt, “Live fully by taking the restrictions off your dreams.” Click on the image to check out the wonderful encouragement.