So, once we decide we have a dream, now it is time to fulfill it. There is an excitement on the inside that rises within you and motivates you to move forward. When you decide to move forward, to change what you have always done - expect a little opposition. This opposition comes because people love you but do't really understand where you are headed. They are afraid of failure or disappointment for you. These people are called, "Border Bullies". Most of the time, they are people that have not fulfilled their dreams. They are people that are afraid to leave their comfort zone. They may have been convinced by other bullies that they couldn't go forward and fulfill their dreams. It takes wisdom to know how to handle a Border Bully. This is your first opportunity to turn challenges into channels of blessings. Talk to your Border Bullies. Listen to their concerns. They may have valid points that you have not thought of. They may give you insight to things you may face ahead. Listen and pray. I have found this is the reason that I write my plan and vision. It gives me personal clarity and it allows others to know that I am serious and have thought through my decisions. You will convince some of the Bullies that you are right and that you shoud go forward; however, others will be too steeped in fear and doubt to ever believe that you could fulfill all that God has put in your heart.
As you leave the land of Familiar and cross the Wide Waters and face your bullies, you will next come to a land that you believe is the the Promised Land. You will be so excited and you will think, "this is it, I have arrived!". Hold on to your hat.....you've just stepped into the Wasteland. The Wasteland is the place where you are sure your dream is going to come to fruition. It's the place that you are confident you will fulfill everything. It's the place where you enjoy the provision that you have brought along. You walk and when you get thirsty, you drink out of your bottled water from Familiar, when you get hungry, you open your package of prepared foods that you brought from Familiar. It's the place where the thought of your dream keeps you going.
But then something happens......you open your package of prepared food and it's empty. You drank your last bottled water yesterday. Now you are tired, you've walked a while carrying all of your provisions. It's hot, you see no place to settle in, you feel like you are spinning your wheels and now you are out of provisions and resources. Everything you brought with you is empty.
You go a little further and find a little stream of water. You find food in the bushes. You find a shady spot. You are praying and believing God. You are calling out and speaking those things that you know to speak. You are working diligently to make everything happen - have you been there? Maybe you are there now. Are you asking yourself, "Where are you God?" "Did I miss you"? Where are you God??? These are the long days. These are the days that you begin to doubt that you made the right decision. This is harder and lonelier that you expected. These are the days that you try every shortcut and everything that looks like the right path. These are the days when your steps become blurred and you choose to get off the path to find a better road. These are the days when anger begins to boil inside. Sound familiar???
Just then, an unexpected visitor named Faith shows up and asks you what is going on. She listens as you tell her that your provisions have gone dry. She listens as you tell her that just in time you found water. Just in time, you found food. Just in time, you found a shade tree. She listens as you tell her that the Dream Giver has not shown up! She listens as you tell her that you want to go back to Familiar. She can't help you get back. She can't help you retreat. She gives you the choice to follow her in a direction that you "know" is wrong or stay in the Wasteland and try to figure it out on your own.
The Wasteland is the place that you come to the end of your provision, the end of your knowledge of the direction you should take, the end of your dream. It's the place where the Dream Giver gives you the opportunity to follow by faith or by sight. It is the place where your love for and trust in the Dream Giver becomes bigger than your dream. The Wasteland is the place where you are changed. It's the land of preparation. In the Wasteland you will meet people that are going in the opposite direction of Faith and back to Familiar. You get the choice whether to join them or keep going.
Maybe you are in the Wastland today. You thought when you discovered your dream and made a plan that it would have already happened and you would be living in the Promised Land. Maybe discouragement or disappointment has tried to overwhelm you. Don't be discouraged! Don't be down! God has not forgotten you! He's preparing you for the great things ahead. Here are some truths about the Wasteland:
- After crossing the Waters, you thought your Dream was just around the corner.
- You may be disappointed by the delay.
- You may have doubts about the Dream Giver.
- The Wasteland was not a Waste! It will teach you trust - even when he's nowhere in sight.
- You are stronger now!
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