DREAMERS AND DOERS -- Devotional for October 9, from "Good Seeds"

Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him. Then he had another dream and related it to his father, who rebuked him. (Genesis 37:5,9-10)

“There are some people who live in a dream world, others who face reality; but then there are those who turn one into the other.” When I read this quote, sent to the world in general from some nameless internet well-wisher, it made me think about this question of dreamers vs. doers. At this writing our American President has just been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize – but it comes to him for his lofty plans and promises, having not yet accomplished any of them, and with many citizens thinking he’s on the wrong track altogether. Solomon wrote, “Man throws the dice, but God controls the outcome.” But, although we cannot determine our future, our daily habits have a great influence on it. It is neither destiny nor dreams that determine a man’s fate, but rather his personal discipline. Some dream, others do, still others dream as they do – doing while dreaming. Someone awakes from a busy night of dreaming. Does he remember his dreams? Does he need to? For such are the mixed-up dreams of subconscious sleep, little more than a hodgepodge of yesterday’s mistakes and missteps – errors turned to horrors! – thoughts best ignored and forgotten. But then there are the dreams we dream by day – not dreams at all, but hopes and wishes, plans and desires, thoughts we can control, and yet they remain in the realm of pre-reality. When we awaken do we think of the day ahead, of what could be, and what could happen if we listened to God and did His bidding? John Maxwell said, “I rarely awaken to a new day without knowing what I will be doing that day.” It’s a good thing to make our plans, but only as long as we are braced for being surprised by the surprises of God! When our feet hit the floor, are our hearts in gear with God? If so, we can hit the ground running: running to our Savior in prayer, running on His Scripture-wisdom as a car runs on gasoline, and then running by the power of His Spirit in the work He leads us to do. That leading starts not in the world of stark reality, but in the world of God-inspired dreams. Don’t be afraid of dreams, or of dreaming, but be very much afraid of only dreaming, while never doing. What can you and God do together today to turn your dreams – His dreams for you, and revealed to you – into reality, for His glory? One more thing: You must not share your dreams with just anyone: not many of your relatives, and not most of your friends. But share them with God – and then ask, “Lord, what would You have me to DO?" Doing God’s will is the litmus test of the genuineness of the dream.