Oceans in the Desert

By Kathi Pelton

I was thinking about how often people day dream of plans that are being made for a special day. We rehearse them in our minds, picture the moments that will make beautiful memories and even invite others into those dreams. I have been a daydreamer (and night dreamer) since I was a little girl and I would get lost in that place where hopes and dreams are played out with childlike wonder. Yet, often in this world (not always but often) they don’t quite reach the height of our expectations and desires. That is just part of life here on earth. Weather happens, sickness happens, losses happen, disagreements happen and now even pandemics happen. We learn to be grateful for what we have even if at times these moments fall short of what we dreamed.

As I was pondering these thoughts today (while dreaming about some upcoming holiday plans), I heard the Lord so excitedly proclaim to me, “Oh Honey, heaven will not fall short of your dreams— it will exceed your thoughts and dreams so immensely that you may just stop and stare in wonder for the first 10,000 years!” Then he said, “Did you know that every disappointment and dream that fell short on earth will be restored to you in heaven?”

Immediately I saw a vision of where the “things of earth” had disrupted precious plans and moments. I saw weddings that didn’t happen due to this pandemic, losses that came unexpectedly, times where rain poured upon your “parade”, pain stole your joy, babies that never made it into their mommies arms and so many other things. But they will all be restored! Your plans and dreams were not in vain! Heaven has held all of these things in it’s timeless and redemptive protection. Every tear will be washed away, all pain will cease and the ability to experience a never ending joy (that can never be obtained on earth) will be yours— and yours for all eternity.

Nothing is lost in Christ! It all gains in worth, beauty and value. We will never have to experience “living with loss” or “praising through the storms” again. The closer we get to Jesus, the more we gain perspective of the glory set before us. Our race here on earth can be much less than “perfect” but the One who purchased our entrance to eternal love and joy is at the finish line just waiting to embrace us!

I do find that even this short walk here on earth, with Jesus as my Savior, has surely exceeded my hopes and expectations— even in the midst of imperfect executions of plans or dreams. He still continuously surprises me with beauty that takes my breath away…imperfect beauty but beauty nonetheless. The perfect will come!

So, if your dreams have not quite gone according to plans or if you have had more than your share of losses— know this, he is holding all that appeared lost or stolen in his hands and they will not disappoint! Earthly redemption will not even compare to the redemption we will receive when we enter the place that he has been building for us since before time began.

Begin to dream higher and hope beyond this life. You will not be disappointed!

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