Guest Blog: People’s Expectations Versus God’s Excellence

 I love this young lady! Before I ever knew Folsom Myers, I observed her as she worked a job in the college dining hall and exhibited such a godly spirit, not in a spooky way, but in a fun, bright mannerism.  One day while riding a college bus on one of my husband's Chicago history trips, Folsom and I got to know one another, and we became fast friends. Throughout her tenure as a student, Folsom often stopped by my office and we would chat a while. Sometimes she would share her beautiful poetry that she had written with me. Folsom is such a vibrant young lady, that it doesn't take long to see right past the fact that she deals with a crippling disease.  I'm so blessed to call Folsom Blue Myers my friend!

Genesis 37:19  “And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.”

Do the people in your life think that you could never accomplish the great dream God has placed in your heart?  Perhaps you are too young, old, naïve, or shy?  Maybe others feel that you are not mentally, physically, spiritually, or emotionally strong enough to achieve such a grandiose task?

Joseph’s brother’s thought he was simply the spoiled, favorite son of their aging father.  They ridiculed him for the dream that God had given him.  They despised him for it even.  Those in David’s life, too, thought that he would neither conquer the giant nor reign as king: 

1Samuel 16:11  “And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There  remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep.”

1Samuel 17:28  “And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.”

1Samuel 17:33  “And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.”

In both Biblical accounts, all those finding fault in the dreams of these two young men had negated one thing when forming their expectations: God’s excellence!  Truthfully, Joseph and David probably weren’t strong enough in their own power to accomplish the goals which God had laid out for them, but in God’s power, they could do all—and more still!

I want you to now take a moment to consider two things:

1.       What seemingly unreachable goal has God given you?

2.      Have you ever dismissed or discouraged another from pursuing what you felt would be an impossible task?  Whom?  What did you discourage them from setting out to achieve?

Write the answers to both questions on an index card.  

Now, you must decide.  Is the excellence of God enough to override other’s expectations as you set out to accomplish your dream?   Is the greatness of God enough to compel you to believe your loved one might achieve what they wish, as well?   The answer is most definitely “yes,” but you’ll need something to help during times of discouragement, for they will come. 

 Here’s one more task for you to complete before you set out with God to make your dreams come true:

Go to God’s Word and find six verses: three to encourage yourself  and three more to pass on to that friend of yours!