DREAMS 4 SALE

“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your
grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded,
 now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame
 the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
2 Timothy 1:5-6

She caught my attention the first time I saw her out in front of her home. I was captivated by her timeless beauty as I passed by on my daily walk. Perhaps I should have changed my route, but like a lot of men I was caught in the web of desire, playing with fire and considering my options. Then one day it happened; after almost a year an opportunity presented itself to learn more about her. Trying to resist temptation I passed on by but my curiosity (remember what happened to the cat!) got the best of me. She was in the driveway whispering my name, I couldn’t take it anymore. As I turned around her owner appeared out of nowhere. Startled by his presence I asked him if he had any offers yet. “Not yet…” he replied “…and I’ve put so much time and money into her that I may just keep her.” That’s when it hit me; it’s hard to sell a “dream” especially when it’s a classic four wheel drive with a new hydraulic snow plow up front. However, dreams are for sale every day; when we get discouraged we toy with the idea, when we complain we are starting to advertise, and when we give up and quit the transaction is complete, dream sold! What’s your dream?
 
Down inside
Resides a spark
 
Inside every one of us is a dream; some are bigger than others, but everyone has a dream down inside. I am constantly amazed at how many people are not following their dreams. They trudge on day after day busy with mindless activities that have no “dream value”. Paul was reminding Timothy of the “dream” he had seen in him. He called it the “gift of God”. Our “gifts”, spiritual or otherwise, are signs if you will; pointing us toward the dreams that God has for us. We don’t know exactly why Timothy needed this fatherly encouragement, but it appears that he was too busy pursuing other things to get down to business. What are you busy with? Have you dismissed your dreams? Look deep inside yourself this week and see if there might be a spark or two waiting to be discovered.  
 
Entrusted by God
Able to burn
 
Dreams have purpose, especially when they have been “entrusted” to us by God. This “trust” creates a contract between both parties. God brings His ideas, His power and His purpose to the table for our consideration. The only thing we are asked to do is to participate in the process. Check it out; everything we need (not just a clue, a corner or a crumb) is available for us to be successful. It’s down inside of us, a red hot spark that’s able to burn. Just as Paul told Timothy, all we need to do is “fan the flame”. That’s it! If we fan the flame of our dreams they “will” become a reality. There are no “if, ands or buts” about it. When we “fan the flame” of God given dreams they will ignite. The key is knowing how to distinguish the difference between a “God given” dream and a “man-made” dream. If glory goes to God then it’s probably from God. If you are the center of the praise, then it’s probably “man-made.” Consider the source of your dreams and “fan the flame” on those which bring glory to God.      
 
Miles high
Smoking hot
 
The impact of a God given dream is far beyond what we can imagine. God’s “ability” combined with our “availability” produces results “miles high and smoking hot”. The Creator of the Universe has chosen each one of us for a “dream” that is far greater than anything our mind can conceive. Sometimes we negate His plan through our “false humility”. We discount the very God who wants to use us for holy purposes by telling ourselves we are unworthy. In reality our “unwillingness” creates our “unworthiness”. Consider the positive possibilities of following your dream, multiply that by a thousand and your answer will still be too small. God’s plans for you are “miles high and smoking hot”, give Him a chance to set you on fire.     
 
A classic four wheel drive, no matter how alluring (even with a new hydraulic snow plow), may be a satisfying hobby but not a dream worth the investment of a life, yours or mine. Take some time this week to see if there is any “dream 4 sale” in your life; dreams that you may have given up on or buried beneath your floor of possibilities. I hope you discover that “down inside, there resides a spark, entrusted by God, and able to burn, miles high and smoking hot”; a dream that’s worth buying at any price. Are you ready to buy?