Out On The Limb
Circumstances Change, Hope Remains
A dear friend arranged a weekend getaway to attend Fellowship Church’s Flavour Conference some time ago. What she didn’t plan was winning the Queen for the Day drawing! A shiny, white limousine provided curb service for an afternoon of shopping. The six of us were paraded down the aisle to receive fluffy, posh pillows and front-row seats during the evening session with Priscilla Shirer. What? What? We’d been pampered, refreshed and inspired with pages of notes and encouragement.
Today, I remember this one line; perhaps from Priscilla Shirer. However, Charlotte Gamble, Christine Caine, and Lisa Young also shared their hearts that weekend. (Forgive me, ladies.) “She went out on a limb and learned she could fly.” This is forever etched in my brain.
All throughout the Old Testament, God spoke to people in the form of dreams. How exciting for Joseph to anticipate his position as ruler! Perhaps he should’ve waited a few years before sharing it with his brothers. (Huge pitfall.) Still, Joseph declared his dream before his family. Even though its meaning was uncertain at the time, Jacob commanded Joseph to “get ready” to go meet his brothers in their work.
Can you imagine the running dialogue in Joseph’s mind? What was God preparing him for? What did this dream really mean? Was he too far out on his own limb? I wonder if Joseph lost sleep or had trouble concentrating on his daily tasks. I wonder if he conceived the undetected opposition and surprising betrayal that lay ahead. Joseph jumped out on his limb, ready to march right up to his brothers. Can’t you just hear Joseph clear his throat to lower his voice, rehearsing his decrees and proclamations over his brothers. “Oh, happy day! Now, I’m the boss of us!”
Today, I’m certain we’d all agree there appears to be greater obstacles and worry for what’s ahead. Many of us experiencing cancellations and postponed plans tied with unprecedented anxiety, fear, and confusion. Maybe you’re focused on all the “what abouts.” What about my job? What about the economy? The future? How am I supposed to pursue this dream God’s given me? Will I get cancelled?
In Romans 11:29 we read, “For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.” Even though his chosen people had become enemies of the Gospel, God’s love for them remained. His plans, in fact, have always remained. Our circumstances DO NOT cause God to rethink or waiver in his plans. Our circumstances will change. You know, that wheel of ups and downs, dramas and disappointments, always trying to keep us on spin cycle?
Jesus promised that he would never leave us. He also said that in this world we would experience trouble. Because He overcame the world, we are to continue on in hope. Everything is for His glory! This includes YOUR gifts and YOUR dreams! He remains fixed and immovable. And so should we. Stay out on your limb, ready to soar.
You are the only one. There is no other woman with THIS gift, THIS talent, THIS dream. You dream of sharing it; you know it’s also for others. Once released, you dream of finding transformation--a deeper, richer version of all God created you to be. This is what completes you; the reality of fullness—that exceeding, abundantly more than we could imagine that Ephesians describes.
Joseph indeed was a dreamer. I’m sure he was scared at times given all the trouble and “misfortune” he faced. Left in a pit, sold, accused, and serving jail time, Joseph had to have considered letting go. And yet, look how God elevated him, being made Pharaoh’s 2nd in command and literally “feasting in the presence of his enemies.” God drew him out, lifting him above all of Egypt--all because he went out on a limb!
Reflection
What gifts of compassion or dreams of reconciliation are out on your limb?
How do you imagine God using you in your present circle of influence?
Read Genesis 37. How are you like Joseph? What can you take away from his life?
Goals
Listen to “Hope’s Anthem” by William Matthews. List your takeaways or prayers to remain steadfast in His dream
“For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.”
(Romans 11:29 NLT)
“He’s awakening the hope in me
By calling forth my destiny
He’s breathing life into my soul
I will thirst for him and him alone…
My hope is in you, God
I am steadfast I will not be moved
I’m anchored, never shaken
All my hope is in You.”
(Hope’s Anthem by Willam Matthews)