In Chapter 5 of All In, author Mark Batterson states that all of us, like Abraham, have our Isaac- what we find our identity and security based upon. Pastor Batterson stresses that God will test us to make sure that we find our identity and security in the cross of Jesus Christ. If God’s gift to us supersedes Him, His purpose for our lives is undermined.
God’s gifts, the author asserts, are simultaneously wonderful and dangerous. Mark states that one of his recurrent prayers is this: “Lord, don’t let my gifts take me farther than my character can sustain me.” As we cultivate the gifts God has given us, we may subconsciously begin relying on those gifts rather than relying on God. Pastor Batterson explains:
“Whatever you don’t turn to praise turns into pride.”
What, Pastor Batterson asks, is your dream? Is it a means of glorifying God , or has that dream become your end goal and God the means of fulfilling it? Dreams, he observes, must die and be reborn:
“God-ordained dreams aren’t just born. They are reborn . . . . You have to put them on the altar and raise the knife. And once the dream is dead and buried, it can be resurrected for God’s glory.”
Today’s question: What is your dream following your ministry downsizing or vocation loss? How can your dream be used of God’s glory? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “God-ideas or good ideas?”
