Part of the problems we face in life is the gap between our plans and God’s plans. We have dreams, plans and purposes, and they can be all-consuming. We can spend a lot of time, money and energy on these dreams and plans. But it’s crucial that we recognise that the only dreams and plans which will actually last into eternity are those birthed in eternity. We have to be willing to trade our dreams for God’s dreams (‘Somewhere In The Middle’, Casting Crowns), because ultimately, God’s dreams and plans for us are so much wilder and better than anything we can dream up ourselves. Casting Crowns have written a song called ‘Dream For You’, which looks at the dreams and plans David and Mary might have had: dreams about being a big-time shepherd one day, dreams about a ‘picture perfect family.’ God speaks to both of them, though, showing them that their dreams are as nothing compared to God’s dreams: that David can be used to bring down the giant Goliath and that his ‘shepherd songs’ will be sung the world over, that Mary’s ideal family will actually include the Saviour of the world. They are both reminded:
‘So let go of your plan
Be caught by my hand,
I’ll show you what I can do
When I dream for you.
My child, if you only knew
All the plans that I have for you
Just trust me, I will follow through.
You can follow Me.’ (‘Dream For You’, Casting Crowns)