"Listen to your servants who delight in honoring you...and make me successful today so that I get what I want from the king" (Nehemiah 1:11, Message Bible).
There are 'good-dreams,' and there are 'God-dreams.'
Nehemiah knew that 'God-dreams' always gave God the glory. They were not birthed in selfishness or arrogance to build his career. They didn't have a mixed motive. 'God dreams' are conceived in God's heart, and then planted in man's heart. But man must make the decision to fertilize these 'God dreams' by faith... or not.
Nehemiah wept when he heard how the beloved city of Jerusalem lay in ruins. Only a few people were left, and they were living in appalling conditions. The Jews had blown it again and had forgotten their God. They gave themselves to other gods, and the One True God lost patience with them. He allowed them to be captured and become prisoners until they came to their senses.
But Nehemiah had a 'God-dream.' He said, "I can make a difference." It's time for Jerusalem to be rebuilt. And so he prayed with humble confidence.... "make me successful today."
What would hinder you from praying that kind of prayer? Fear of failure, unbelief, and a lost first-love? Risk is a measurement of the amount of sacrifice vs. the amount of reward. In this case, Nehemiah chose to be a player, no matter what the cost. His reward was to bring glory to God. He couldn't waste another day.
In my last trip to India, the Oasis team and I trained pastors in the 'One-Minute Witness faith-sharing tool, and then we went out into the streets to share our faith stories. Afterward, a pastor said, "I used to share my faith years ago. I am sorry to see how many years I have wasted by not sharing my faith. Now I will do this... everyday."
What 'God-dreams' are within you just bursting with potential and waiting to be fulfilled? Do you have any 'God-dreams' that are still bridled and stifled within you?
TODAY God desires you to be successful in making His name famous. So, go ahead...activate the 'God-dream' within you. If it's for His glory, it's worth the risk.
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
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