"Didn’t I tell you, ‘Don’t raise my hopes’?" — 2 Kings 4:28
In the years before her son was born, this woman’s hope to be a mother had quietly slipped away. She had resigned herself to something less than God’s plan for her. She was cautious, not daring to dream any more.
When she was asked what she wanted from God, she dared not even voice her secret desire. No. She would live her life childless and then slip away into eternity.
But the Lord pulled this desire from the deep recesses of her soul. He found her secret dream and He fulfilled it.
But now her son was dead.
How cruel this seemed. How tragic. That God would give her what she dared not ask for, and then suddenly take it away.
This passage and this devotional are not mainly about children; they are mainly about those secret dreams that are quietly dying inside. God puts the question to us: Will we dance with Him? Will we take the plunge? Will we open up our hearts so wide that maybe we will lose part of ourselves to God?
God has a wonderful sense of adventure. There will be moments when all seems dark. Jesus led the disciples out into the stormy sea because only in the storm could He reveal Himself to them.
We all know the story. The woman’s son was raised to life. So also, your most fragile and precious dreams are eternally safe with God.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. Dwight and his wife Kim provide prayer ministry for inner healing / transformation and coaching in prayer ministry. He is available to speak to your group or church. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.