Have you seen this clip yet? (embedding is disabled by request) It’s from Britain’s Got Talent, which is a distant relative to American Idol. In this episode, a frumpy, unemployed 47 year old woman named Susan Boyle (lives alone with her cat, never been married, never been kissed) takes the stage and declares her dream: I want to be a famous singer. She sings I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables (which is undoubtably my favorite musical).
What happens is breathtaking. She opens her mouth, and beauty flows. Watch Simon’s expression. Listen to the audience roar. Amazing. I got choked up several times watching it, and I’ve re-visited it a bunch.
Now go read the lyrics. The song doesn’t end in hope.
I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I’m living
So different now from what it seemed
Now life has killed the dream I dreamed.
I’ve been thinking about my dreams lately. For the most part, I think I’m living my dream. But there are days when I’m not so sure. Over the past couple of years, my wife has asked me if I truly know myself. In order to pursue your dreams, you have to know yourself.
I believe that God wants to release his dream in each of our lives. But there are a couple of pre-requisites: my character has to be ready for the dream, and I’ve got to be willing to risk, to take the chance to pursue the dream. The way is likely to be full of obstacles, and the work to achieve the dream will be more than a full load.
But the dream, that sweet spot of God’s blessing and provision, is absolutely worth the sacrifice and effort. The dream is worth the risk. I just know it is.
What dream are you pursuing? How are you letting God work on your character? What risks are you currently taking to chase the dream God has placed in your heart? I’d like to hear from you in the comments…
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