Yes, and . . .

Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]--To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it). --Ephesians 3:20-21 [Amplified]

Today while reading over and studying the verse that inspired this blog, I was struck by one word -- "AND". This short conjunction carries a powerful wallop and important truth that I think we often overlook.

Look at the first two lines of the verse above. Did you notice? "He is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think . . .

I think so often we think of God as the cosmic, "NO!" "No, you can't do this. You can't do that. Stop that. Watch out or I'm going to punish you!" And we often think that while God is good, he is ultimately more concerned about himself, his kingdom and his purposes than ours. We are under the impression that God's purposes and desires often are exclusive of our own desires and dreams. And that in order to be true servants, we must kill all dreams and desires from our hearts and submit to Christ.

Now, don't get me wrong. I have nothing against submission. In fact, I think that that is the backbone of a relationship with Christ. However, submission does not mean you become a Christian drone with no thoughts, opinions or desires of your own.

As an actor, I've often had the opportunity to be involved in various improv games. One of the first rules of improv is "Yes, and . . ." This means as you interact with others on stage, you take what they're doing and where they're taking the scene, and you build upon it. You say, "Yes, I receive that. And let me add to it and bring even more to it." Those that can really understand this concept often are the masters of improv.

Recently, I've been reading a couple of books out of Bethel Church in Redding, CA. These books have been opening my eyes and changing my worldview. I've been blown away by many of the revelations in these books.

In one of the books, "Dreaming with God," Bill Johnson, the head of Bethel Church and author of the book, writes about how God desires to partner with us. He writes, "God never intended that the believer be a puppet on a string. God actually makes Himself vulnerable to the desires of His people. In fact, it can be said, "if it matters to you, it matters to Him."

If it matters to you, it matters to Him. Who do you think gave you those dreams and wishes? You think you came up with these things yourself? No! God gave you these dreams.

So what are your dreams? You desire to have children, to be a mother or a father? Keep seeking the Lord. You desire to be a successful business person/ doctor/ lawyer? Go on, friend! You want the world to know your art, to enjoy your music, to laugh or weep at one of your performances. Press on.

Dream on dear friends, dear family. Dream on! And speak to Daddy God about those dreams. Your dreams do NOT cancel out His purposes. He will carry out His purposes. You don't need to worry about that. He in his sovereignty, and in his grace desires to weave our dreams and our desires into his dreams, his desires and his purposes.

It is an amazing thing. Yes, Lord, and . . .