David: This morning was the first morning I can remember, that I didn't open my eyes and feel the sadness. I thought the person who wrote that note had an answer for me.
Elijah: That little bit of sadness in the mornings you spoke of? I think I know what that is. Perhaps you're not doing what you're supposed to be doing.
We were created to dream and live lives beyond our wildest dreams... yet a lot of the time we struggle to find a dream that doesn't turn into a nightmare... or when our dreams come true it was nothing like we thought. The life we would kill for, almost kills us!
How do you know if your dream is worth following??
2600 or so years ago, the Israelites were conquered and taken captive, and were living in slavery in Babylon. Their dreams and their home had been shattered. They hung up their harps, and wept instead. They were asking “How can we sing our Lord's song in a foreign land?”
There was a man named Nehemiah who was the cup bearer for the king. He was one of the king's most trusted servants as he had to drink the wine before the king to make sure it was not poisoned. One day he went before the king and for the first time he was sad. The king asked him what had made his heart so sad. Nehemiah replied that how could he be happy when the city of his forefathers lay in ruins and the gates had been burned. The king asked what he wanted and Nehemiah prayed and replied that he wished to be sent to the city of Judah to rebuild it. The king agreed and at Nehemiah's request also sent letters with him to ensure safe passage and materials to rebuild the city. He took a few men with him and at night went out to inspect the walls. He told no one of the dream God had given him of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He then told those who he was with, "You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace." (Nehemiah 2:1-18).
While Nehemiah is sitting in the palace, his home city's walls are destroyed, the town is in shambles and his people are covered in shame.
Nehemiah's dream...
Was about doing something Great, not fame
Was not about making his life easier or more comfortable
Was about serving the kingdom of Heaven
Nehemiah's dream was a seemingly impossible task. Crazy, some might say. But he found what he was supposed to be doing, and went ahead and did it, even when it got really hard and he had opposition on every side... And he made his world a better place.
What are you supposed to be doing?
What is your dream?
Walls of Jerusalem
