I had a mid-life crisis yesterday. I remembered things I hope to do, places I hope to visit, dreams I hope to accomplish, and thought “I’ll never make it.” The year 2002 seems like yesterday—time has FLOWN! In another twenty years, I’ll be in my 70s. That’s discouraging. I have served God faithfully, but I’m broke. I never published a book. I never went to England. I’ve worked hard and done good things—even great things. I’ve remained in God’s will. But my dreams are postponed, unfulfilled, deferred.
DREAM DEFERRED
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
Like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
—Langston Hughes.
What an achingly sad poem; I know the feeling.
David’s dreams came true: giant killer, national hero, ladies man(×1,000), poet-songwriter-musician, Biblical author (including the wildly popular 23rd Psalm), warrior, king, sire of a line of kings including the King of Kings. But God deferred one of his dreams, telling him—NO, you will NOT build my temple. When did I ask you for a house? Who do you think you are? You are a man of bloodshed, not suited to building a place of worship.
“But I will raise up your descendant who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. HE WILL BUILD A HOUSE FOR MY NAME” 2 Samuel 7:12-13.
This passage gave me hope today. If David could not do it all, why should I? David had to let one dream go—but I know it comforted him that his son would achieve it. After all—Solomon needed his own challenges, as my children need theirs. I don’t have to do everything. It’s not about me.
God, we are here to fulfill YOUR plans, not our own. Fill us with passion for YOUR dreams.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 