There is a way of testing our dreams to prove whether they are truly our heart's desire, desires for which we have the right to pray. We hold them up to the light of Philipians 4, the six 'whatsoevers'.
1. are the things we desire true; true to our nature; things we truly need for daily life, work, ministry ("give us this day our daily bread" etc)?
2. do we honestly desire them: are we absolutely sure that we do, not from spite, envy or pride or someone else's expectations?
3. are they just desires; do they take anything from another person; are we deserving of them in the eyes of God; have we earned the right to pray for them through toil, sacrifice and service?
4. are they pure; purity of heart comes from recognising every human soul as vauable and worthy of our respect; our dreams must never cause another person, anywhere, to suffer.
5. are they lovely; (my favourite test by far)...quoting Clark
" When we do a loving thing, beautifully, gracefully, harmoniously, what more can we ask? Pray then, for beautiful things, knowing that this praying for beauty is not vanity, pride, or selfishness. Is there any vanity in God when he gives us a beautiful sunset, flower or lake?
We too have the right to make life for others sweeter and happier and more beautiful. We have the right to pray for greater beauty and happiness to shine from our faces, greater eloquence to clothe our speech, and a finer grace to govern our actions. ....pray that beauty and loveliness may enter every corner and phase of our lives."
6. are they of good report; this test relates to our outlook. If we believe that God hears and answers our prayers, especially those ‘dreams’ that have come from Him, we should expect a good report. Our attitude should always be one of expectant optimism.
This testing of our dreams takes time, but it’s a wonderful sieve to put them through.
How many are still on your list?
We had 7 or 8 on our first list.
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