Word For Today - Courage (2)

 

Rise up; this matter is in your hands...take courage and do it. Ezra 10:4
Pastor Andy Stanley writes: 'I keep a little card in my desk that reads: "Dream no small dreams, for they stir not the hearts of men." More than once that simple statement has kept me from retreating from my dreams. I know from experience that it's impossible to lead without a dream. When leaders are no longer willing to dream, it's only a short time before followers are unwilling to follow. So dream! Dream big. Dream often. 

Somewhere in those random ideas that flood your mind, is one that will capture your heart and imagination. And that seemingly random idea may very well evolve into a vision for your life.' Every great accomplishment begins as a dream in someone's heart. All things are created twice: first in your mind, and then in your life. Dreamers allow their minds to wander outside the boundaries of what is, creating a mental picture of what can be. 

They are not always the most talented or best educated-just the ones who refuse to put brackets around their thinking or limit themselves to what others have done. Doing this requires courage, lots of it! On the heels of every dream there's a demon of doubt. No sooner is your dream conceived than your mind is suddenly filled with all the reasons why it may not work. And there will be folks around you who'll be quick to confirm those fears. In spite of that, you must forge ahead and dream; otherwise you'll spend the rest of your life fulfilling the dreams of others. 'Rise up; this matter is in your hands...take courage and do it.'