(Romans 8: 28 – 39)
Shattered Dreams: What we
sometimes find in life is that although we are making plans based on
what we know to be the will of God, our plans can fall through the
cracks. Everything seems to go wrong and our hopes become shattered in
our face. This can be a very difficult experience or season in life
because it brings confusion and frustration into our lives. There are
many examples of people in the Bible who experienced broken dreams and
whose plans seem shattered for a season. Joseph received a dream from
God that he would become a ruler but rather than for his dream to come
true, he experienced a major setback when his brothers sold him into
slavery. Jacob also had his dream of marrying Rachel shattered for a
season. After seven years of service, he was asked to marry Leah instead
of Rachel and he had to wait another seven years. Apostle John found
himself on the Island of Patmos just because he was preaching the
gospel. His plan of winning more souls for Christ was halted by
incarceration in a lonely and desolate island. Naomi and her husband
went to sojourn in the country of Moab because there was famine in
Bethlehem. Her plans became shattered when she lost her husband and two
sons in a foreign land. Our Lord Jesus Christ also experienced
disappointment when John the Baptist was beheaded in prison. We too have
had experiences that bring us pain and hurt and confusion because our
plans were completely overturned. In all the experiences we are passing
through, God can still allow us to find meaning and come out
victorious. But how?
1. We need to keep our eyes on God and on our goals:
Although Joseph experienced many trials his focus was constantly on God
and his goal. He did not allow himself to be distracted by the devil. We
should never forget God’s word that says “Nay, in all these things we
are more than conquerors through Him that loved us” (Rom. 8: 37).
2. Remember God’s providence: Our God is all powerful and He can do as He wills. The Bible says that God makes all
things work together for good to them that love Him (Rom. 8:28). In a
miraculous way, God prospered Jacob beyond his imagination. He did the
same for Joseph. When Naomi’s plans shattered through the loss of her
family members God used Boaz as a kinsman redeemer
3. Be Ready to Receive:
Although Apostle John was in solitary confinement, he was in a state of
readiness to receive from God. The block to his ministry became a
blessing (Rev. 1: 10). He received the Book of Revelation from God while
on the Island of Patmos. We too should be ready to receive from God.
4. Work with your wound: Jesus experienced pain when
John the Baptist died his wound became healing for others. We too can
still be a blessing to others as we go through the pain of
disappointment because God is always with us.