New Hope (Part 1) – Day 11

Do you dream about making a difference in the world around you? If you die today, would you be proud of your legacy?

In the Westminster Abbey in London, an Anglican bishop is buried with these famous words on his gravestone: “When I was young and my imagination had no bounds, I dreamed about changing the world. As I became older and wiser, I discovered that the world will not change. My dream changed slightly to where I decided that I would aim to change only my country. I had no success with that. In my autumn years, I had one last attempt at changing things. I realised that I would have to be satisfied with only changing my church or even only my family. They did not want to know anything about it. Now, while lying on my deathbed, I understand, too late. If only I had started with myself, I might have been able to change my family and a few parishioners. With their inspiration and encouragement, we might have changed our country. And who knows, even do something about the world”.

Sometimes, we are so carried away by a dream that we carry in our hearts, that we miss the current opportunities. In Zechariah 4:10, Zerubbabel is busy laying the foundation of the temple. This seems like a rather mundane task. Yet, listen to God’s words regarding his job: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin …”

When we realise that God knows our dreams, but also the future he has planned for us, we will experience much less stress in our lives and start seizing many more opportunities that he presents. So, do not miss the opportunities presented in this week. In so doing, we might change our community, our country and who knows, eventually even the world! God bless.