Created to DreamSample

MAKE A DECISION

In the movie “Jerry & Marge Go Large” two retirees come upon a large and unexpected sum of money. One night, the couple drives home along the main street of their small town. They are unsure of what to do with their newfound wealth. Marge (Annette Bening) asks Jerry (Bryan Cranston) to stop the car. They gaze at the quiet shops and empty sidewalks. They see struggling businesses and streets in need of repair. Together, they dream about investing in an event that might bring some much-needed tourism money back to their town. But will it really work? What if they kept the money for themselves instead?

This movie captures the two steps to the second phase of faith: making a decision. When we decide to follow a dream that God has given, we must invest and let go of security. As Pastor Rick said, “You can’t move forward in faith and hold onto the past at the same time.”

Abram had to take the same two steps. When God said to him, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you” (v.1) his life changed completely. To obey God meant investing all his worldly possessions as well as the safety of his family, without any security other than God’s promise.

Abram—later called Abraham—did make the decision to follow God. Abraham’s offspring became the nation of Israel, out of whom Jesus came, and through Jesus came a way for all people to experience the grace and presence of God. All of this started with an act of faith by Abram. He invested in God’s dream for his life. He gave up security and put all of his wealth and his future into faithfully following God.

God may not be calling you to start a nation as he did Abram. But he’s almost certainly calling you to something this week. How will you invest in the call God gives you? Decide to pursue his dream for you!

Reflection

What are you holding onto from your past? Is there something you need to let go of?

What can you invest in? Who can you invest in? What would those investments look like?

Read Micah 6:8 for a reminder of God’s daily dream for your life.

Prayer

Dear God, how can I invest in your dream for my life? What can I give? Who should I give it to? Help me to let go of the things I think will bring security and trust my security to you. Amen.