Letting Go of My Dreams

Categories: WEEKLY DEVOTIONALS

Julie Woodley, M.A.

That night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said. And Jacob replied, “Here I am.” (Genesis 46:3)

Webster’s definition of dreams:
“a series of thoughts, visions, or feelings that happen during sleep; an idea or vision that is created in your imagination and that is not real; something that you have wanted very much to do, be, or have for a long time.”

I always thought that God was in the process of making our dreams come true, but I have seen many people’s dreams come true and then sometimes their world is turned upside down, much like mine was.

I thought God was answering all my dreams and was so excited to see the reality of them come true. I began to understand in a very profound way, as my world crumbled around me, that I had been peddling fast to accomplish what I “thought” was God’s dreams for me, when in reality, my thinking was upside down. My dreams had become a reality, but I left God behind. I could only see him in the rear view mirror.

C.S. Lewis says: “He who has God and many things has nothing more than God alone. God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”

Through many disappointments in my life, the shattering of dreams, and a broken heart, I have found the most valuable treasure – God. There is nothing apart from Him. I am learning to not peddle faster in trying to show Him and others, that I can make an impact.

I have been drawn many times to Him and Him alone—to pursue God—He is enough. I am lost in HIM! His presence, voice and song are within me. I raise the white flag—God is my only dream. God is all there is! Nothing else matters.

I now realize something so incredibly profound – my dreams are HIM. Yes, I still have active dreams, visions and mystical experiences. But, HE is my dream. It’s about strength, beauty, and love – that is what life is all about.

I have read Jeremiah 29:13 many times: “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

I am home, I make Christ my everything. HE is restoring me; He alone. My life is centered in the beauty of the Cross. Everything I do is important to Him. Whether it be creating a video production for healing for hurting individuals, or helping a young mom with her young children. As Mother Teresa said: “Practice doing small things with great love.” Small things such as breathing, loving, and worshiping Him.

Julie Woodley, M.A., is the founder and director of Restoring the Heart Ministries. She is the Ministry Outreach representative for Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center.