God Sized Dreams

10 Jacob left Beer-sheba and set out for Haran. 11 He reached a certain place and spent the night there. When the sun had set, he took one of the stones at that place and put it near his head. Then he lay down there. 12 He dreamed and saw a raised staircase, its foundation on earth and its top touching the sky, and God’s messengers were ascending and descending on it. 13 Suddenly the Lord was standing on it and saying, “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. 14 Your descendants will become like the dust of the earth; you will spread out to the west, east, north, and south. Every family of earth will be blessed because of you and your descendants. 15 I am with you now, I will protect you everywhere you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done everything that I have promised you.” 16 When Jacob woke from his sleep, he thought to himself, The Lord is definitely in this place, but I didn’t know it. 17 He was terrified and thought, This sacred place is awesome. It’s none other than God’s house and the entrance to heaven. 18 After Jacob got up early in the morning, he took the stone that he had put near his head, set it up as a sacred pillar, and poured oil on the top of it. 19 He named that sacred place Bethel, though Luz was the city’s original name.

God Sized Dreams

Have you had any good dreams recently? It seems like the older I get the less I dream or at least that I remember any of them.

Joel stated in the book the bares his name Joel 2:28 “28 After that I will pour out my spirit upon everyone; your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions.”

Some of the recent dreams that I’ve had has me wondering when I wake up, what did I eat before I went to bed. Ever had one of those kind of crazy dreams? When was a kid I use to dream about bears alot. There were bears in our house, they were under my bed, they were in the basement, there were bears chasing me in the woods. I guess I must of had a bear phobia then.

Dreams have the capability of molding our goals, supplying the fuel for our motivation, and giving us a feeling of purpose in life. They provide us the ability to imagine a future that extends beyond our present circumstances and motivate us to work toward achieving something higher.

In our scripture this morning Jacob had a dream. When he woke up in the morning he wasn’t thinking, what did I eat last night. He was thinking, God met with me during the night.

Kurt Strassner in his book Opening up Genesis wrote this about Jacob:

Jacob was a despicable character—a conniving, cheating, stealing lecher. Yet everything seemed to go his way. Jacob’s story is one long litany of self-centeredness, deceit—and success. And as we read it, in the back of our minds, we need to ask the question: “Why?” Why was such a rotten character blessed so profusely? In the process, we might just learn a little bit about ourselves and about our God. (1)

Do you remember the story about him? He cheated his brother Essau out of his birthright by swapping it for a bowl of stew. Now I like a good bowl of stew, but I’m not going to trade my birthright for it.

Now you might be thinking that we don’t have a birthright. I’m the youngest of 8 kids, so by the time any inheritance was getting to me it would have been long gone!

But we do have a birthright. You and I are sons and daughters of the living God. We have been adopted into the family. He has blessed us in the heavenly realm with every spiritual blessing! Praise God!

Jacob was the second of Isaac’s sons, yet he worked really hard with the help of his mother to fool his father. He received the blessing that Essau should have received.

When Jacob tricked his father into giving him the blessing that was not his to receive, he lied to Isaac and said that God had provided the meat for the meal he brought him. He lied to his dad saying he was Esau.

If you read ahead in chapter 29 you see what promises to be a great love story. Jacob falls in love with Rachel but his soon to be father-in-law tricks him and gives him Leah to be his wife. He eventually ends up with Rachel. It wasn’t a love story then. It was lying and cheating, and sleeping around. Isaac’s two wives were fighting and arguing. There was sexual immorality as Jacob was fathering children with Rachel’s maids.

Jacob was not the prince of a man. There was enough sin in his life and his family to write many books about. What is truly amazing about Jacob is that like so many others who’s lives were entangled with sin God shows up and promises Jacob abundant blessings. God had said even before Essau and Jacob were born that Jacob was going to be blessed. Paul even wrote about. He wrote in Romans 9:11-16

Romans 9:11–16 CEB

11 When they hadn’t been born yet and when they hadn’t yet done anything good or bad, it was shown that God’s purpose would continue because it was based on his choice. 12 It wasn’t because of what was done but because of God’s call. This was said to her: The older child will be a slave to the younger one. 13 As it is written, I loved Jacob, but I hated Esau. 14 So what are we going to say? Isn’t this unfair on God’s part? Absolutely not! 15 He says to Moses, I’ll have mercy on whomever I choose to have mercy, and I’ll show compassion to whomever I choose to show compassion. 16 So then, it doesn’t depend on a person’s desire or effort. It depends entirely on God, who shows mercy.

The fact that God chose to love Jacob despite his lack of deserving it demonstrates that God, in his capacity as God, is capable of loving anybody he pleases. He is sovereign.

And just as God picked Jacob before he was even born, so too does God choose each and every person who is ever adopted into the family of the covenant. And the process is exactly the same for each one of us, as we are heirs to the promise of redemption through Jesus.

When we enter this world, we are not doing it with the intention of finding God. Isaiah 53:6 describes us as being born like sheep, with each of us going in our own direction. And if God hadn't already been looking for us before we started looking for him, none of us would have ever found ourselves doing so on our own.

If God hadn't chosen us first, if He hadn’t extended his grace towards us, none of us would have ever chosen to follow him. If he hadn't chosen us, we never would have followed him.

This is the profound insight behind the gospel's message. This is the way that salvation can be attained completely without cost to oneself. God did not chose us based on anything we have done in the past or anything we will do in the future.

God meets Jacob in a dream. Look at verses 10-13

Genesis 28:10–13 CEB

In these verses we find Jacob at a critical point in his life, lying down to sleep in an open field. Little did he know that this seemingly ordinary night would become an extraordinary encounter with God.

As Jacob closed his eyes and drifted into slumber, he entered a realm where the ordinary boundaries of earth and heaven merged. In his dream, he saw a ladder or stairway reaching from the ground up to the heavens, with angels ascending and descending on it. This divine vision revealed God's presence in a profound way.

Do you remember learning that song about this passage?

We are climbing Jacob’s ladder

Sisters, brothers, all.

The ladder or stairway serves as a powerful symbol. It represents the connection between the earthly realm and the heavenly realm, indicating that God is not distant or detached from His creation. It signifies that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, bridging the gap between heaven and earth. This dream was a revelation to Jacob that God was with him, even in the midst of his uncertainties and challenges.

God goes on and tells Jacob that he is going to bless Jacob and his descendants will be like the dust of the earth. He said that every family on earth will be blessed because of him.

I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want to wake up from that kind of dream. God came and met with him there in his dreams. It wasn’t just a dream like my childhood dreams. The veil between heaven and earth was opened so that Jacob could see what was happening spiritually around him and God could speak to him.

So what are we to make of this dream and God sized dreams?

Lessons on Dreaming God-Sized Dreams

God-sized dreams go beyond our human imagination and abilities. It involves aligning our desires with God's plan and purpose, taking risks in faith and trust, and acknowledging the potential influence of our ambitions on our lives and the lives of others. Consider the following crucial lessons:

They are born in the presence of God: God-sized dreams are not figments of our imaginations or selfish wants. They begin in God's presence, where He plants seeds of purpose and calling in our hearts. We position ourselves to receive and enjoy God-given visions when we spend time seeking Him, listening to His voice, and aligning our hearts with His.

They are in line with God's will and purpose: God-sized dreams are inseparably connected to God's grand plan for our life. They are consistent with his character, values, and mission. We ensure that our aspirations are in harmony with His perfect will by seeking His guidance and connecting our dreams with His Word. Surrendering our dreams to God allows Him to mold and refine them for His purposes.

Consider David, a musician with a passion for music and a desire to use his talent to bring God glory. He spends countless hours practicing, writing songs, and honing his craft. David, on the other hand, begins to feel a deeper calling in his heart - a desire to write and play music that transmits messages of hope, healing, and faith.

One day, while praying and worshiping, David feels a great sense of serenity and clarity sweep over him. In that moment, he realizes that his dream is about more than just achieving personal achievement; it is about changing lives and bringing others closer to God. As he senses the Spirit's guiding and confirmation, David recognizes that his God-sized dream is being created in God's presence.

They require trust and faith in God: Dreaming God-sized dreams frequently pushes us outside of our comfort zones and requires faith in God's supply, guidance, and timing. It entails taking a risk with faith, even when the route appears uncertain or when barriers appear. Our faith increases as we rely on God's strength, rely on His promises, and trust that He will accomplish what He has set in our hearts.

Consider Sarah, a young lady who feels compelled to establish a nonprofit organization to alleviate homelessness in her community. The task appears intimidating, and doubts and concerns begin to sneak in. Sarah, on the other hand, decides to rely on God's guidance and provision. She takes tiny actions of obedience, such as helping at local shelters and interacting with community leaders, as she goes out in faith.

As Sarah continues to put her trust in God, doors begin to open. She obtains unexpected help, connections, and resources to help her pursue her God-sized goal. Sarah observes God's faithfulness and provision with each step of faith, deepening her trust in Him and confirming that she is on the right track.

They impact not only our lives but also the lives of others: God-sized dreams are not just about personal fulfillment; they have the potential to impact and bless the lives of others. We become agents of transformation in our communities, families, and spheres of influence when we embrace our dreams and allow God to work through us. Our dreams have the power to inspire, motivate, and uplift others, providing them hope and positive transformation.

Consider Michael, a teacher with a passion to start a mentorship program for at-risk adolescents in his community. He sees the transformation of these young people as he follows his passion and invests in their lives. He watches teens gain hope, discover their potential, and break free from negative cycles as a result of the program. Michael's God-sized goal has an influence that extends beyond the classroom, as the altered lives of these young people construct a brighter future for the entire town.

By understanding these lessons on dreaming God-sized dreams, we can approach our aspirations with a deeper perspective. Our dreams become opportunities for us to partner with God, allowing Him to lead, direct, and operate through us. We position ourselves to experience the fullness of what God has in store for us and those around us when we align our dreams with His will, step out in faith, and recognize the potential influence on others.

We are prepared to begin the process of nurturing and fulfilling these dreams as we embrace the lessons of dreaming God-sized dreams, knowing that they are born in God's presence, are in accordance with His will, and require faith and trust in Him. Now that we've gotten our creative juices flowing, it's time to put our God-sized dreams into action. Let us explore how we can actively nurture and fulfill the dreams that God has placed within our hearts.

Nurturing and Fulfilling God-Sized Dreams

Dreaming God-sized dreams is just the beginning. Nurturing and fulfilling these dreams requires intentional steps and a reliance on God's guidance. Here are some key points to consider:

Seek wisdom and direction through prayer and seeking Godly counsel.

Nurturing God-sized dreams involves seeking wisdom and direction from God. Regular prayer, spending time in God's presence, and seeking His guidance through His Word are essential. Additionally, seeking counsel from mature believers who are walking closely with God can provide valuable insights and accountability.

Develop a plan and set achievable goals aligned with God's purpose: To fulfill God-sized dreams, it is crucial to develop a plan and set goals that align with God's purpose for our lives. Breaking the dream into smaller, actionable steps makes it more attainable. By seeking God's guidance and aligning our plans with His will, we can move forward with confidence.

Cultivate patience and perseverance in the process: Fulfilling God-sized dreams often requires patience and perseverance. It is important to remember that God's timing may differ from our own. There may be obstacles, setbacks, or periods of waiting along the way. Trusting in God's faithfulness and remaining steadfast in the face of challenges is crucial to see our dreams come to fruition.

Trust God's timing and surrender the outcome to Him: Nurturing God-sized dreams involves surrendering the outcome to God. We may have a clear vision of how we want our dreams to unfold, but trusting God's timing and sovereignty is essential. By releasing our grip on control and entrusting the outcome to Him, we position ourselves to receive His best for our lives.

By nurturing and fulfilling God-sized dreams, we actively participate in God's redemptive work in the world. It is through the journey of pursuing these dreams that we grow in faith, character, and dependence on God. As we seek His wisdom, set achievable goals, cultivate patience, and trust in His timing, we position ourselves to witness the unfolding of His plans and the fulfillment of the dreams He has placed within our hearts.

What are your God-sized Dreams?

This church exists because of a God-sized dream. It began with an elderly lady in Jerome who was crippled with arthritis and she was praying believing that God was going to bring the message of Holiness to the coal mining families there. The dream didn’t become a reality immediately, but the dream gave birth to a prayer meeting and then to a church. That dream spread here to Boswell and a church was planted.

This building was the result of a dream to reach more people and to bring them into the experience of New Life in Jesus.

As we draw to a close, I'd like to challenge everyone of you to embrace the invitation to pursue God-sized dreams for our church. Just as people throughout history have dared to dream bold dreams, we are asked as a congregation to dream big for God's kingdom.

Let us remember that our dreams for our church are built in a desire to see God's kingdom established and His love exhibited in tremendous ways, not just in numbers or personal accomplishments. Our dreams should be in line with God's plans, with the goal of bringing transformation, healing, and restoration into the lives of those we meet.

I challenge you to pray for God to reveal His God-sized dreams for our church, both individually and collectively. Let us seek His guidance, listen to His voice, and open our hearts to the dreams He has placed within us. We prepare ourselves to be vessels through which His love and power might flow when we match our dreams with His desire.

But keep in mind that dreaming big is not a passive activity. It necessitates action, dedication, and unwavering faith. It necessitates that we leave our comfort zones, overcome obstacles, and place our trust in God's provision and guidance. Let us be a church that takes deliberate steps toward the realization of our God-sized ambitions, totally trusting on the Holy Spirit to guide us every step of the way.

Consider the influence we can have as a unified body driven by God-sized dreams. Consider our church to be a beacon of hope in our neighborhood, a place where lives are transformed, brokenness is healed, and Christ's love is palpable. Imagine our ministry extending far beyond these boundaries, touching the lives of the disadvantaged, the wounded, and the lost.

Finally, I challenge each of you to step up and pursue the God-sized dreams that He has put within our church. Let us be a congregation that seeks God's will with zeal, guided by His Spirit, and dedicated to making a lasting effect for His glory. As we walk into the future God has planned for us, may our dreams be bold, our faith unwavering, and our deeds steadfast. Let us work together to create a church that embraces and realizes the God-sized dreams that He has given us.

Are you prepared to go on this road of dreaming big for our church? Let us pray and commit to this great goal, confident that God will do far more than we can ask or think because of His power at work inside us (Ephesians 3:20).

1 - Strassner, K. (2009). Opening up Genesis (pp. 118–119). Day One Publications.

Related Media

Related Sermons