Back to basics
One night I was staying over in George with a friend of mine. He told me that the Lord had spoken to him in a dream. I was amazed as he described to the smallest detail how the Lord had revealed the next business deal to him. Almost a google map of the land where the development will take place and the exact amount he would have to spend.
That evening as I got into bed I asked God to give me a dream too. I don’t dream much, in other words, I must be sleeping too deeply to remember any dream I might have. But that night in George was different. I dreamt and remembered every detail of the dream.
I dreamt I was back on the farm, but this time, not in control of things like in the past. No, this time I was simply a foreman and my job was to water the gardens. I didn’t like having to start at the bottom, but thought that if that was the job I had to do, I would do it. And instantly I decided to dig up the existing irrigation, dig the ditches deeper and to see to it that everything was working well. Every little plant had to get the correct amount of water.
And I woke up. I was overjoyed that I dreamed, but what did it mean?
As day wore on the message became clearer to me. A simple message: Start over. Go back to the beginning. Go back to basics. So quickly we are torn from the Lord of the things, because the things of the Lord became too much. Our time is totally gobbled up by all the responsibilities of the ministry and we no longer have time for the basics. We must go back to sit at the feet of Jesus.
We must allow Him to fill us. We must allow our lives to be so filled with Him that He will call the shots in our lives. Not us. Not our job. Not our business. Not our friends. Not even my family or spouse. We must go back to the beginning and consider how much space God still has in our lives, and then we must clear out those things that had gradually moved in, even the things of God, so that there is space for God Himself.
Paul knew how important this was and, therefore, he prayed for the people of Ephesus and for you: 19Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
Let me make it easier, so that it can speak directly to us: 19May God’s presence overflow in your life so that not once piece is left that is not touched by God’s presence.
And that is the message that I got from my dream in George. Go back to basics. It’s time to do the same in my relationship with God. I must return to my first love: God. I must find the places and times in my life where He is not in control. Those things I struggle with. There where I miss the goal again and again. Places where God is not, which is what is tripping me up again and again.
Make a plan to eliminate everything in your life that is not part of God’s plan for your life. Maybe you should get help, because sometimes we’re unable to pick up that mess and throw it out. Do everything in your ability to clean house, because God wants to be in control in every part of your life.
Scripture:
Reflection
Where are the places in your life where God is not living yet?
What must you do to get it out of your system?
Will you invite God to take over your whole life?
Prayer
Lord, I know there are places in my life where You do not want to move in. I long for You to fill every space, but it’s hard for me. And that is why I ask You now to show who me who can help me, to get rid of all the things that keep You from moving in fully. I ask it in Your Name, Lord. Amen
