Never Going Back: Exchanging the Everyday for God's ExtraordinarySample

Chasing the Dream

Reflect

Elisha probably wasn’t thinking about becoming God’s next prophet. He was thinking about plowing his field. Head down, focused on the hard work necessary for success. If his 12 yoke of oxen were any indication, he was doing pretty well for himself. He had prosperity, family, and the hope for many future harvests. He was living the dream. And then Elijah arrived, offering Elisha certain persecution, hardship, and rejection. It was an invitation to abandon Elisha’s prosperity and success for a life of sacrifice and sorrow. And instead of scoffing or weighing his options, he ran with his whole heart toward a calling for God’s glory.

Before the pandemic, many of us were working hard toward a specific goal. We were focused and determined, and we might even have experienced great success. But if that goal interferes with God’s invitation to a life lived for his purposes, we’re chasing the wrong dream. As we evaluate life after lockdown, do we have the courage to hand all of our securities, aspirations, achievements, and goals to God and trust that his plans are better? Like Elisha, the cost could be enormous, but the reward for following God is always worth the sacrifice. 

React

1. What are some personal plans and dreams you are deeply invested in right now?
2. Has God placed any plans before you that require you sacrificing them to follow him?
3. Which of those plans and dreams would be the toughest to put down for God’s plans?
4. Write down a few ways it is going to cost you to put down your plans for God's. Pray this simple prayer: “Help me trust that what You have is better.”