Recently I was presented with a possible job opportunity. It was not just an ordinary job. It was an “I can’t believe I could get to do this; pinch me I must be dreaming!” kind of job. I was about to discover just where “somewhere over the rainbow” existed! Or so I thought.
My excitement quickly turned to disappointment when it became evident that this was not God’s timing, and I would not be able to pursue this opportunity any further. It didn’t make sense. For a week I swallowed tears wondering if I was making a terrible mistake, wondering if I was truly hearing the voice of my Father and wondering if I would ever get an opportunity like this again.
But it was very clear to me that God was asking me to wait. In fact, He asked that I lay my dream job on His altar…and leave it there. Whoa! Laying it down required some sacrifice, but leaving it there? Now we’re talking downright obedience! I have been in this place before, and as badly as I want to pick up my offering and go home, I know without a shadow of a doubt that God has a plan that my finite mind can not possibly think of or imagine.
I’ve discovered that for every dream that I have sacrificed…for every longing that I have offered up…He has taken it and turned it into something beyond my wildest imagination. As long as our gifts are clutched tightly in our fist, we’ll not realize the depth of His generosity or the indescribable level of creativity He possesses. But when we let go of the little bit we’re holding onto, He multiplies it and uses it for His glory.
My gift is still on His altar, and it would be foolish of me to say that it does not cross my mind from time to time to pick it up. But I know when His timing is right and He reveals His perfect plan, my tiny offering will not even be recognizable. Maybe you’re at the altar as well. Maybe your dreams seem out of reach. Lay them down. Lay them down and leave them there. You’ll be amazed at what He can do.
Memory Verse:
“However, as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has hear, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.”
– 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Faithful Father, Your ways are higher than my ways and Your thoughts higher than my own. Thank You that even in the midst of my disappointment, You are orchestrating the details of a magnificent plan for my life. I trust you today with my dream of…”
Contributing Writer:
DeeDee Sharon
Leave a Reply