[Devo.] The Power of a Dream

Published on August 28, 2013

 

Let’s set the scene.

It is August 28, 1963 in Washington D.C. Thousands of Americans—black and white alike, are joined arm-in-arm singing “We Shall Overcome,” the anthem of their movement, as they make their way to Lincoln Memorial. They have marched before, but this day was different. This day they were taking the fight against racism to the steps of our nation’s capitol.

Martin Luther King, Jr, the leader of this dangerous movement is about to make one of the most significant speeches of his life.

Like a skilled lawyer, King makes his opening statement recounting the injustices toward by black Americans—the plaintiffs, incited by the American system of justice—the defendant. Before God, the judge, and the world, the jury, he says four words that changed everything: “I have a dream…”

For behind these four small words lied a very powerful and dangerous vision that if it were ever realized would alter the course of history for generations. It did.

There’s something powerful about our dreams.

Not in the mystical, psychic kind of way, but in the visionary way…a way when once uttered can lead people to action, change a law or rewrite history.

King’s dream for equality among blacks and whites was not his own. It was originated way before the Civil Rights Movement, way before the Civil War, way before slavery in America took place.

It was a dream that came straight from the heart of the Dream Giver: God, the Creator of the universe. Sadly, because of the evil and pride in our hearts, this dream would not come to pass for black Americans until King’s speech that day.

It is 2013, 50 years after his speech, and King’s dream for equality is still very much alive and well. Although King never had the opportunity to see his dream come to pass, generation after generation will live in harmony because of this dream placed in his heart by the living God.

After the Lord places a dream in our hearts, Habakkuk 2:2-3 says to, “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.”

What dreams has God placed in your heart for either yourself or this world? What things do you long to see come to pass? Whatever they are, don’t lose heart. Be patient. It will come to pass.

If you have stopped dreaming, ask yourself why? Perhaps disappointments, failures or even sins have caused you to stop believing in the impossible.

Remember: Your dreams are only as big as your God. Start believing in a bigger God. A God who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can imagine or think (Ephesians 3:20). This same God planted a very powerful dream deep inside the heart of Martin Luther King, Jr and used this dream to influence a nation.

Watch. Learn. Dream.

Dream

* With permission from Adapt Magazine. Written by Allysen Kerr, Editor.

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