Being with God means that we do things differently. We do not look like the world anymore. Thus, the way we do things is not the way the world does things. Through God we are called to dream bigger. There is a reason as children we had incredible imaginations. We were never meant to lose them. The world taught us practicality was more important. However, when you follow God, trusting for more than you could imagine is more important. The world has no hold on us when we are with Him. Trusting in Him is what our obedience looks like. It is not supposed to make sense to those around us. This is why, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (Colossians 3:23 NIV) Our new life with Christ has no world boundaries. Our only boundaries are the limits of our own imagination through trusting what God can do in and for our lives.
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 NIV
This is why we must use our imagination in this new life with Christ. He can do, “immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.” We hinder our ability to trust in Him when we hamper our own imaginations. We have been conditioned to trusting logic and being practical, because that is what makes sense. The life we lead with God is not supposed to make sense within the confines of this world. It is supposed to be carefree and without restriction from limitations the world imposes. The devil is the ruler of this world. The enemy would have us believe that impossible is in fact impossible. However, that could not be more wrong. “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” (Ephesians 3:20 MSG)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
A Story of Big Dreams and Trust:
My mother and I had a major falling out several years ago. She made it very clear that she did not approve of certain decisions in my life. However, it was not her place to approve or not approve. Either way, because of this disagreement she was no longer able to have a relationship with me without being quite mean and rude to me and my family. For a couple years we would spend months apart and then try to work it out. But to no avail. Finally, I told her I could not do this anymore and when she was ready to accept me as an adult with respect in her life I would be open to growing our relationship.
A couple years passed and it was difficult for me to reconcile that she was not and would not be in my life. I remember sitting in my car outside of my home praying for God to take this burden away. I prayed that, if either of us should die before making amends it would be ok. We would see each other again. I let it all go. I surrendered it to God. I trusted in Him to make it right.
A couple more years passed and she reached out to me. She said she had to see me. Through my prayers with God my heart was soft and open to her request. She eventually came to visit me and my family. To my surprise she also came with a soft heart. She extended an apology for all that had happened and not being there for me. I was also able to express all that had transpired for me. We have been rebuilding our relationship now for the past 2 years. I didn’t think it could happen in this life, but God did more than I could have imagined.
- Anonymous
Strengthen the Christian Planner Family by sharing your experiences. We'd love to hear a story about God's work in your life. Use the form linked below to submit your story.
Considerations for your planner:
- Write down the ways you see your life differently now. Remember this when the world tries to tell you that it's not logical or practical.
- What are you letting logic or practicality win in? Take a moment to write out what you imagine for your life where logic and practicality tell you it is not possible.
