Lost Dreams

Dear Kids,

Jeremiah 29:11-13 “For I know the plans that I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”

There were many times years ago when the voices of talking vegetables would entertain you kids while I would sit down for a much needed rest. Though I didn’t always like for you to watch lots of TV, I didn’t mind the VeggieTales episodes because I knew it would keep you happily busy while at the same time teaching wholesome Bible lessons. That is why when Dad suggested I read a book he had just finished, Me, Myself, & Bob by Phil Vischer, the creator of VeggieTales, my interest was piqued.

I eagerly became engrossed in the biography of a man who from the time he was a child felt a desire to do something “big” for God. He didn’t feel that he was cut out for the traditional mission field, but using his sense of humor and his interest in animation he began the struggle to fulfill his dream – a dream of using his creative ideas to make a big impact on the world for God. His giftedness, determination, and sacrifice were evident through the whole story and God seemed to be blessing his efforts in amazing ways. But as I read on, the foreshadowings of imminent doom on Phil’s large company, Big Idea, Inc, became increasingly noticeable.

As the sales of VeggieTales videos boomed, on the inside the company began to fall apart due to bad decisions and faulty leadership. Through a series of events the business came to a crucial point. Phil and the leadership gathered together to beg God to save the company. This is the part where you would expect God to swoop down and save the day, but that is not what happened. Phil Vischer completely lost Big Idea, Inc and was left with almost nothing. He lost all of his dreams in one fell swoop.

I felt the author’s anguish as he wondered, “What kind of God would stand back and watch a dream – a good dream, for ministry and impact – fall apart?” This question began an intense time of seeking and calling out to God – a search that lead him straight to God’s heart. He came to the conclusion that we, as children of God, are to do good works but first we must find out what His plan for us is. Instead of barreling ahead with our own “big ideas” we should stop and listen for what God is calling us to do.

The creator of VeggieTales concluded, “As I write this, I am growing increasingly convinced that if everyone . . . burning with passion . . . to start that Christian ministry to change the world would instead focus their passion on walking with God on a daily basis, the world would change.” “The impact God has planned for us doesn’t occur when we’re pursuing impact. It occurs when we’re pursuing God.”

Have you ever lost a dream and wondered why God didn’t step in? Maybe He has bigger plans for you – plans to give you a future and a hope. Pray to Him and He will hear you. Seek Him with all your heart and He will be found.

Love,

Mama