Permission to Dream Big for God

This post is reprinted from Dwayne’s online quiet time journal.

Text: John 15:1-17

Theme: To dream the impossible dream for the glory of God is what He expects of us.

Key verses: “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing…If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” (v. 5, 7-8). “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another” (v. 16-17).

What God said to me: Dwayne, when you stop dreaming you stop growing. When you cease to look ahead and take bold steps into new adventures for me, you stop needing to rely as much on me; you stop stretching your faith. The boundary lines have not all yet fallen into good places for you. You still have some boundaries that need challenging in your life and ministry. There is much more you could be doing and accomplishing to bear much more fruit for me. All you need do is ask for anything you want–anything, Dwayne–and Jesus said it will be granted. When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. Why is that? Why did Jesus say that you are proving you are my true disciples when you bear much fruit? It’s simple. Much fruit requires much faith and love. Much fruit brings much glory to me. Jesus produced much fruit, and as His follower, you should too. In your latter years, don’t settle for what you’ve already done. Reach for more fruit. You could have a good 20-25 years left before you reach the borrowed time of your 70’s and 80’s. Make the most of it. Step out into realms unknown. Step out of your boat and keep your eyes fixed on me. Whatever you do, do it all for my glory. I expect this of you, Dwayne, and I will be with you and bless you, my dear follower and child.

What I said to God: Lord, I know there is more to this Word than You are showing me at this time. I know I must do whatever You command me, and I know I must not overstep my bounds. Yet, for this season, I am convinced You are saying to me to launch out into deeper water, where I’ll find a greater catch of fish, of people, to disciple for You. It’s a daunting task, and one quite frankly I would rather run away from. Please help me, by Your grace, to accept this challenge from Your Spirit to boldly move into new areas of ministry. Particularly, I’m thinking of the vision I believe You gave me to help provide worship discipleship materials and schools of training to worship leaders around the world. This would bring great glory to You; thus I believe I have been called to do this and prepared. I will no longer wait around for You to nudge or push me forward. Precious holy Lord, grant me the grace, faith and deep abiding love for You and for others to now embrace my calling and move full stream ahead, trusting You to provide and guide.