How Do God-Sized Dreams Become Reality?

“One must from time to time attempt things that are beyond one’s capacity. “ ~Pierre Auguste Renoir

I am an absolute chicken. I am not one to take risks. I don’t wear trendy patterned fabrics. I eat vanilla ice cream. I have no desire to try “dangerous” sports like wakeboarding or skydiving. I like comfortable and certain.

There is, however, a dreamer in me who thinks about big, new things. I see a picture of a friend who just ran a marathon and imagine what it would feel like to cross the finish line with Jell-O legs and a sense of accomplishment. I sit in the audience listening to a godly woman share deep insights and wonder if I have that kind of truth and courage in me. A book written by a high school friend sits on my bookshelf, and I wonder whether a book with my name on the spine might one day rest beside it.

There is a gap between my dreams and my reality. This is different than the space between my dreams and my abilities, though. It is an important distinction.

My thirty-eight-year-old body will require much training and discipline to move from my comfortable three-mile run to a twenty-six-mile run. I have the potential to complete a marathon, limited only by my belief that I am unable to do it. I know I can write six hundred words on any given verse or topic; I doubt my ability to expand those thoughts into a manuscript or a speech.

My three-mile run and six-hundred-word posts are comfortable, certain, and safe. But are they the best I can do? Am I living the dreams God has for me?

After walking with Jesus for a few years, Peter faced the same questions. He stood in a boat on a stormy sea. Jesus came toward him, walking on the water. Peter asked Jesus, “Can I do more?”

“And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water’” (Matt 14:28 ESV).

Jesus replied with one word: “Come.”

Peter climbed out of the boat and stepped onto the tumultuous surface of the sea. He moved past the limitations of his ability by listening to the voice of his teacher. When Jesus said, “Come,” Peter closed the gap between his dream and his reality. He stepped out on faith.

[Tweet “The distance between my dreams and my reality is only as far as the distance between me and Jesus.”] The closer I get to Him, the stronger my faith grows. As my faith grows stronger, my abilities are no longer limited by doubt.

Peter did not have the ability to walk on water. With His eyes on Jesus, he pulled off an impossible feat. As soon as he looked around, he felt the weight of his limitations and began to sink. His only hope to battle the doubt was to put his faith in Jesus’ call.

I’m not sure I will attempt a marathon. I am a chicken, after all. But I’m not as afraid to reach for that book or speaking opportunity as I once was. I’m in the boat, waiting for Jesus to call me out onto the water. I wait without doubt weighing me down because I know when we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, he makes the seemingly impossible a reality.

God, I believe You have called us to great things. I also believe You are strong enough to hold us above the water. Help us to keep our eyes firmly fixed on You. Give us the strength to close the gap between our reality and Your dreams for us. Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” (Matt 14:30-31 ESV)

Reach for More

This week’s challenge is about stepping out of the boat. Find a few quiet minutes to dream big. Is Jesus calling you to step out of the boat? Jot down a big dream or two. Ask God for increased faith, opportunities to act, and the courage to come when He calls. Stick your list somewhere visible to remind you to keep your eyes on Jesus.

Please, come back and leave a comment telling us about how God spoke to you this week, or share your progress on social media using the hashtag #tgtreachformore. We would love to hear from you.

Kelly Smith is a small town girl who married a small town man 17 years ago. She has three energetic blessings, ages 1 to 11. Her favorite indulgences are coffee, reading, writing, and running. Kelly believes we are created for community and loves to find ways to connect with other women who are walking in the shadow of the cross. She blogs at mrsdisciple.com.