There have only been a few times in my life where I know for a fact the Lord has spoken to me specifically about something. No, not an audible voice, but thoughts that all of a sudden take place that I would have never thought of otherwise. I believe it’s God speaking directly to me in those moments and this most recent time came in the form of a dream.
You’ll have to bare with me as I type this out because I’m sure a lot of it won’t make any sense, but it was a dream so I get a free pass! By the time I woke up in the middle of the night terrified from it, I immediately prayed for about 20 minutes confessing to God out of a conviction He gave me that I also think is fitting for the Church.
Here’s the dream:
By the time I could recall anything that was going on, I found myself in a food hall kind of area that seemed to be on a college campus. Many people were around indoors eating, talking, and watching news and sports on the TVs while I could see outside the wall of windows where people were walking around in the courtyard. It seemed like people were coming from and going to classes from the best that I could tell.
I was “so far back” it seemed in the dream that I was basically observing what would take place. I recognized a couple of guys I knew that were far away in front of me and could just notice they saw something on the TV along with the people around them…kind of like they were watching breaking news and then bolted out the door into the courtyard along with others. Soon enough, the food hall was emptying outside and I could see commotion taking place outdoors as well.
I assumed maybe there was just a fight going on or something because of how quickly people were moving and as I got outside and the people right in front of me got out of the way, I could see these guys I knew looking up and yelling, “Don’t do it, don’t do it!” As my eyes followed where they were looking, I was looking up towards this tower that was a good distance away from us and I could just barely make out what was happening….a women was standing right on the corner at the top of the tower and by the time I put together what was happening she stepped off…
It was eerie, it was silent during this moment, and she just fell all the way down to the ground on her back. I couldn’t see where she landed because it was over a hill but everyone knew she hit the ground. The immediate reaction was terrifying from everyone around me. People screamed, cried, prayed, were in shock, some were indifferent and just moved on with their day, and others made a point to run up to where she fell and immediately screamed not even understanding why they just ran up to see her because it was a terrible sight I’m sure.
The whole time I’m just observing what is going on and watching the reactions from everyone. I’ve never witnessed anything like this before and hope I never do, but I can’t quite explain just how real this was. I have no doubt that if this were to actually take place, the reactions and way I felt would be exactly the same.
I woke up….well basically jumped up wide awake, had to take some time to realize it was a dream, and was immediately overcome by what the Lord told me.
Ministry is not a game. This is real life, with real people, they are hurting and looking for hope.
My immediate reaction was conviction followed by confessing to God for the times that I’ve not taken ministry seriously. It’s not a job. It’s not a game. People are seriously hurting all over the place and seeking desperately for something or someone to hope in. Many are at their breaking point and just want to end their lives because they think there’s no point to life.
People need hope….they need to be talked to and cared for….they need to be rescued….they need Jesus.
A Call To Action
So I’m asking all followers of Christ (including myself) to take action.
I tend to forget daily just how real the call to make disciples really is and how time is of the essence, and I think you forget too. Let us be reminded daily first and foremost that we are still sinners in need of a Savior and that we have been rescued out of the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of Jesus. (Colossians 1:13-14) That means there are many still in the domain of darkness….a lonely place….a place without hope.
Who is around you? Who has God put in your path? Look around and you’ll quickly see people hurting and who are losing all hope in life who need to hear the hope they can find in Christ and that their life has value. Don’t be distracted by the trivial things of this world that we so often spend all of our time on and become “busy” with, but instead think through what really matters. Think of what is really important and has substance to it. Be obedient to what Jesus has called you to do because of what He has already done.
That’s my hope. That’s my prayer. And I hope if I have the same dream again, this time, it will have a different outcome.
Mike
Is it up to believers to save the world? Did God already give humanity hope of salvation? Are there billions dead now who have never even heard of the name of Jesus and are we had accountable to God for this?
Hey Shelley, Thanks for reaching out. It is not up to believers to save the world, God does the rescuing through Jesus and Jesus alone. However, we, as followers of Christ, are called to share the Gospel, love others, etc. and not just sit back and “let God do all the work” if that makes sense. For this post, I was convicted that I wasn’t always taking my calling of a disciple seriously and don’t think I’m alone in that thinking. I think God was merciful on me to reveal things to me in dreams and continue loving me while… Read more »