The Impossible Dream
To be the kind of person who would have the determination, drive, ability, and persistence to walk into another person’s life and make a powerful and positive difference was the deepest desire of my heart. Even before Jesus had come knocking on the door of my heart, I thought I could do that if I just did not give up and continued to encourage and lead that person into a new and hope-filled life.
To live the lyrics of “The Impossible Dream” was the song of my heart. To believe I could turn an impossible situation around. That I could “fight the unbeatable foe,” or “run where the brave dare not go.” To hope that I would “bear with unbearable sorrow,” and that I would not give up when my “arms were too weary,” was my heartbeat. These lyrics from the Broadway play, Man of La Mancha, hummed through my mind and their life ran in my blood. The main character of the play was an idealist, some critics say, who was thought to be insane venturing into situations that did not involve him and trying to “right the unrightable wrong.” Was I chasing after clouds?
Perhaps I, too, was an idealist, hoping to defeat those visible or invisible injustices. But when Jesus love touched my life, I believed with new zeal that through Him I could conquer the impossible dream.
Hubby and I married with our own dreams and stars to reach. However when life hit us with its realities– a miscarriage despite trying to believe God would keep our baby alive like He had done for others; the death of my mother-in-law due to cancer while we prayed in faith for her healing; and the challenge of raising two determined sons whom we thought we could mold into our values and faith–we realized that the impossible dream was impossible for us humans.
We could have a willing heart, a promise-filled mind, hands open to follow God’s call, but God would have to do the work. While I still hope that some impossible dreams in my life will be conquered, I realize more each day that I cannot be the one to conquer them–only God can. And giving up that control (another post), surrendering my dream to the Lord, and trusting Him to work it out in His way and His time is the greatest challenge. He will help me “bear the unbearable sorrow.” He will “fight the unbeatable foe.” He will lift my arms when they are “too weary.”
With man, it is impossible. But for the Lord, nothing is impossible. I must trust in this, not my determination or dream.
What is your impossible dream?
“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.'” Mark 10:27 NIV
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Great Post Janis, Happy Son/Sunday, Blessings – Nita
Thanks for reminding us to shift gears and trust the Dream-Giver, not necessarily the dream itself!
Linda
Thank you for sharing your heart. As I read I was reminded of two things:first, His ways are not ours, and second, the One who has begun a good work will be faithful to complete it. How amazing that we can trust that He is not finished writing our story yet!
You are definitely not alone. I think one of the hardest things about being a mother is knowing where the line between love and control is found. God has graciously taken many things from my hands although I have held on with all my might. I’ve learned I can give thanks for the things in my life when I don’t carry the responsibility and burden for trying to fix them and to keep them from falling apart. Even my shattered dreams.
Dear Janis
You remind me so much of Adam and Eve who thought that they could live independently from God by deciding for themselves what good and evil were. It didn’t work out for them either!
Much love XX
Mia
I hear you loud and clear. We want our loved ones to share the same faith we have. I can just tell you that I grew up learning about Jesus and even made a profession of faith just before my open heart surgery at the age of seven. However, it wasn’t until I was married and an adult that I finally began to walk with the Lord. At my grandmother’s funeral, I was so convicted to begin to go to church. I began to read my Bible and study and pray and I’ve never been the same since. It’s been about 20 years now. I say this because you train up a child and then you pray. I never forgot what I was taught but it wasn’t until I was older that it took root. So don’t give up and trust the Lord. Live out a life of love and pray.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
http://www.heartchoices.com/2013/06/a-powerful-testimony.html
Oh, I have learned this the hard work. Despite my best efforts…my dreams, well some of them, are unrealized. And yet, I realize that His dreams will come to pass, and so, to Him, I cling.
It’s a frightening thing – to let go of control and the outcome and give these dreams to God. Sometimes I have to realize that my dreams are not His dreams or His ways. Painful, but necessary!
Such a beautiful verse to remember.
Fondly,
Glenda
I am so very grateful for a God who steps into the impossible and flips it right side up.
oh, Janis, yes. i’m the same as you. longing for those impossible dreams. and then being astounded by all of the sorrow. this verse brings me great encouragement: “i can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength.” (philippians 4:13) bless you.
So true! The giving up control has/is my difficult one! Blessings! (stopping in late from SDG)