Dream of Sacrifice

A few months back, I walked into a 7-Eleven. The guy at the counter greeted me asking me how I was. I said, “Good, and you?” His response was, “Livin’ the dream,”  to which I responded with an I-feel-ya-man, “Right?!” His next response is one I will never forget. He bluntly said, “Nightmares are dreams too.” Of course I laughed, had nothing good to say after that, paid for my stuff, and left. I know being a 7-Eleven cashier does not match that guy’s idea of a dream job, but it was someone’s dream. I sure do dream about their donuts. Yum!

The point is, we are all programmed to dream. I personally used to carry around a vision of what my life would look like – and in my opinion that is a form of dreaming. I grew up on a farm in the middle of no where. I knew the experience was special then, and I thought for sure I would end up living in the country, carrying on that same life to my own children. Since moving out of that farmhouse, I have never lived outside of a city or town. I always thought I would be a stay-at-home mom. I was sad when I realized that wasn’t in the cards, maybe more sad when I realized it was best because I was horrible at it. I dreamed my kids would have that sense of home with the people they lived with and the structure that held them as they grew…with memories provoked in each corner. My husband and I have never actually owned a home together. That venture has fallen through more times than I can count because of the strangest reasons. Don’t worry, this isn’t a pity party. I am making a point if you can hang in there with me.

Dreams are meant to be motivators. They bring hope and forward movement. Sometimes it’s a blessing when they don’t come true. I have been pointed a lot lately to the idea that following God requires earthly sacrifice. Maybe some of my dreams got me this far, but putting them down will take me the rest of the way. If I truly want to get to where God wants me (the ultimate dream) I have to let go of everything else. I mean EVERYTHING! As long as I have visions for my own life, I can’t focus on God’s.

In my personal sacrifice of my “dreams/visions” I have been unbelievably blessed. I have healthy children, a job that I enjoy, and a home my kids are safe in. My earthly needs are met and then some. Jesus, as far as my untrained self knows, did not have a house he called home, as an adult, where he could go microwave his ramen and watch American Idol after a hard day’s work. He literally led a life of pure service to those He came to save. I think His life turned out just the way it was meant to by God’s standards, and isn’t that all that matters?

I have been trying to get through the book of Ezekiel lately. Have you ever read the Old Testament? It’s a miracle anyone ever keeps reading. Talk about depressing! Fighting, sorrow, hatred and disgust, lots of God being disappointed and betrayed. As I was pushing, or procrastinating, through it, I read a passage in Ezekiel that I feel is relevant.

Judgment against False Women Prophets

¹⁷ “Now, son of man, speak out against the women who prophesy from their own imaginations. ¹⁸ This is what the Sovereign Lord says: What sorrow awaits you women who are ensnaring the souls of my people, young and old alike. You tie magic charms on their wrists and furnish them with magic veils. Do you think you can trap others without bringing destruction on yourselves? ¹⁹ You bring shame on me among my people for a few handfuls of barley or a piece of bread. By lying to my people who love to listen to lies, you kill those who should not die, and you promise life to those who should not live.

²⁰ “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against all your magic charms, which you use to ensnare my people like birds. I will tear them from your arms, setting my people free like birds set free from a cage. ²¹ I will tear off the magic veils and save my people from your grasp. They will no longer be your victims. Then you will know that I am the Lord. ²² You have discouraged the righteous with your lies, but I didn’t want them to be sad. And you have encouraged the wicked by promising them life, even though they continue in their sins. ²³ Because of all this, you will no longer talk of seeing visions that you never saw, nor will you make predictions. For I will rescue my people from your grasp. Then you will know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 13: 17-23)

Let’s think about this from a sacrificial perspective. If we want to be clothed with jewels and all the things that will make us “approved” for society, then we need to let those ladies don us with all the stuff that they say will make that happen. They are probably really great at being successful in this world. If we want an authentic life that serves God, which is the direction in which we will experience the dreams of the heavens, we have to get rid of all the “stuff” and expectations and visions of our own success so we can see where God is taking us. Tear that magic veil off that is promising you things it can’t deliver. Find the dreams that only come through sacrifice. I promise it will hurt when you let go of what you held dear to your heart as the “supposed to be’s.” God knows that pain of sacrifice too – or would he call it joy? I also promise your hurting will only help you see the greatness God has for you, because your eyes will be opened to such greater things.

Dream of sacrifice.