Dreams

I dream in my sleep, almost every time I do it. Most dreams aren't memorable. Some dreams are strange and confusing, a bunch of impossible nonsense. Usually it's all a blur. There are few dreams that I remember, either because it was scary and traumatic, or because I just thought about it a lot after the dream. I remember two scary dreams that haunted my childhood. The most significant dreams I remember are dreams that I believe were a message from God.

When I was in the fourth grade, there was a fire near my house. The fire was miles away and we were never in any danger. I believe it was around this time, that I had a dream in which every house on my block was ablaze except mine. I knew that this dream was a message from God reminding me that He would keep me safe. I felt secure to know that I had His protection. At the time, this dream was a comfort, I felt special to know that God was thinking of me, that he would give me this dream as proof that he would keep me safe. It felt good to hear from God, but as a child, it wasn't really something that I needed to hear. It wasn't something I was looking for. At this time I was basically worry free. I lived in a world with parents taking care of me. It wasn't something I was worried about. This dream has stuck with me over time. I have a tangible reminder of God's promise. Even though I can look back, thinking that it was a strange message for a child, I know that God's way is best. He gave me that dream for a reason. I can look back knowing that before I knew God as my own, He knew me. God specifically communicated to me in a way that know one else could. It was at this time that I was maturing, I was seeking God and His truth. This seeking did not begin at this time, but continued through the opportunities provided. I thank God for giving me understanding and a desire to seek Him.

I believe that God does everything for a reason...

It's not as if I always tell people about the dreams that I have, but, around the time that I was in the ninth grade I had a dream that I have intentionally kept a secret. I awoke from the dream with such peace, as if it was a blessing. Later that day a friend mentioned that she had a really good dream. I agreed that I did as well. Once I thought about it, the terrifying details of my dream came back to me. I got the feeling that it would be inappropriate to share. I didn't really know the meaning of the dream immediately. In my dream I was in a house with some people when and intruder entered, questioning us. Pointing a gun at me he asked if we were followers of God, when I answered, yes, I am, a shot was fired and everything went black. For some reason, this dream seemed like something I shouldn't share with anyone. I mentioned sometimes that I had a dream that I was shot, but that's all. I felt like the dream was to private to share, and that it was sick to dream about my death.

From this dream I knew that I was called to stand up for truth, no matter the cost. I never really understood the cost very much. For a long time, I didn't really think about this dream.

THE COST

I have been telling God that I will go where He sends me.

As I thought about the dream more, I remembered the experience of the dream. In the dream, I was at home with my family. The situation felt so right. The house I was in, wasn't a place that I have ever been, but it was home. The family I was with, wasn't anyone I know, but they were my family. In my dream, I was where I belong.