It all started as a strategy for outreach. We sat around a table and began to dream out loud, trusting that the fire of shared passion and the wisdom of group process would yield creative ideas for communicating the love of Christ to our community.
I don’t mind confessing that I loved my dream. We would offer free oil changes to those in need: the poor, the elderly, single parents, come one, come all! Coffee and brownies would make the most of the waiting time as those of us less talented with a wrench would fill cups and keep the conversation flowing. We prepared colorful informational brochures about our church and its programs. We bought supplies, spread the word, and waited.
Not one person signed up.
Not one person called to inquire.
Rebounding from Disappointment
The spectacular crash and burn of my dream rang in my ears for a long time. In fact, it was all I could hear, and it was ages before my idea spigot found its way back to the on-position once again.
Reading through Jeremiah this year, I’m finding a soul mate in this life of perpetual rebound from disappointment. For 23 years, God’s Word came to Jeremiah. He rose early, and he burned the midnight oil. His words were the key note in a chorus of prophecy straight from the heart of God, urging Israel to back away from the abyss of their bad behavior.
They did not listen.
Yet, Jeremiah was persistent.
Looking back, there are plenty of reasons why my outreach brainstorm yielded not even a passing shower. In the nearly twenty years since, I’ve learned a lot about planning and about the unique ministry climate of my mid-coast Maine context. It was an idea that was doomed to fail before it even started, and yet . . .
Our story does not end with the death of one dream.
God’s new morning mercies jogged Jeremiah out of bed every day to share a message that burned like fire. Living in persistence requires showing up.
Our story does not end with the death of one dream.CLICK TO TWEET
Showing Up with Fresh Creative Energy
Our little band of believers has gone on to host dinners and day camps. We’ve caroled in December and picnicked in July, always inviting our community to the party.
Sometimes they come.
We have great conversations.
They hear the Truth about a loving God who spread His arms wide to embrace the world.
Sometimes, though, on event day, we sound like Jeremiah:
“You never listened or paid the slightest attention.” (Jeremiah 25:3-4)
For Jeremiah to show up every day for 23 years with fresh creative energy for each day’s attempt took supernatural strength. I want to persevere in that same strength.
It takes holy persistence to press into a task when all around you wafts the stench of failure. Holley Gerth, author of You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream, reminds me, however, that “success isn’t about outcome; it’s about obedience.” When the God-sized dream that we launch like a bottle rocket crashes onto the rocks below, we start over.
Committing the dream to God, we begin again with all the enthusiasm of an encore: “Lord, this is for you!”
The curtain rises.
By faith, we begin again.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts (and maybe your shared experiences?) on the holy persistence that presses into a dream when all around you wafts the stench of failure.
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This post first appeared at God-sized Dreams.
I link-up with a number of blogging communities on a regular basis. They are listed in the left sidebar by day of the week. I hope that you will take a moment to enjoy reading the work of some of these fine writers and thinkers.
Living Our Days 
Thought provoking as usual, Michele. I left a comment on guest site.
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That was a great idea!
And yes, it take holy persistence to keep going after a failure. I know I want to give up in times like those.
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Well, I thought it was . . .
I guess the lesson I took away from the fail was more valuable personally, anyway, than a big success would have been.
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My God-sized dream was to have 5 children. Alas, after child #2 was born, I was hit with fertility issues. Although I begged God to remove that affliction from me, HE never did. For 17 long years, I carried my dream (even through a failed adoption). In the end, God gave me peace about the death of that dream.
I remain a mother of 2, and since I’m fully in menopause now, there is no hope of another. I have peace about that.
I’ve come to see that how we respond when God says “no” to our dreams and desires is the real measure of our trust in him.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Love,
Patti
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Patti, what a grace-filled response you have brought to this huge disappointment. Thank you for sharing the sadness of your “no” here, and for giving readers a glimpse of some of the heart work that needs doing when a dream dies.
Blessings to you as you love on those two precious children.
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I read this today and liked it. Signed, Barnabas the female Parable writer. xo
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Thanks, Barney!
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Thanks for sharing, Michele. Totally needed the reminder! Blessings to you.
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I need regular reminders, too, Boma!
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Sometimes the best blessings are through crushed dreams. Not easy but in the end the best thing. #ablogginggoodtime
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Yes, and there’s also the mercy of God’s “no” which we fail to appreciate. Thanks for bringing this into the conversation!
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Michele, I absolutely love this post. Such an encouragement. Thank you! And, as always, thank you for sharing it wit us at Encouraging Word Wednesday!
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It’s always hard to share the “dark side” of our ministry experiences, but I’m trusting that the experience will be encouraging to others who are dealing with disappointment or failure in ministry. Thanks for reading!
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Michele, I have had a few dreams crash and burn through my years of serving. Through these experiences, I have learned to trust God in the times of great disappointment. His ways are so much higher!
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We always have to let our hearts come back to the truth that He knows better than we do what is best for us. That’s a challenge sometimes, for sure.
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Nice info. I love Hoe, It makes me easy to done the job. Thanks for reminder me
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I was part of a Bible study soon after college entitled “Death of a Promise” where we went through so many people in the Bible, like Abraham and Sarah, who had to go through what seemed like a death of the promises of God before they saw any sort of fulfillment. I don’t remember many of the details, but the ideas have stuck with me for many years and this post reminded me of them. Great to have you link up at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com this week!
Tina
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The Bible is full of plans gone awry, but we forget that when we are in our own planning mode. Thanks for this biblical anchor you’ve shared.
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