Your dream is not dead. It is only sleeping.
Lazarus, a friend of Jesus who lived in Bethany, was sick. When Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God.” Jesus didn’t panic. He didn’t get into fear, and of course, He didn’t worry. But He said, “Lazarus is asleep, but I will go and wake him up.”
Even though Jesus knew that Lazarus had died physically, His mindset was that Lazarus was asleep. But to everyone else, it appeared that Lazarus was dead in the grave and would never live on this earth as a man again. Of course, his sister, Martha, believed that he would be resurrected in the distant future in the resurrection at the last day, but she had no faith that he would live again as her brother.
Then Jesus made a statement that probably seemed strange at the time. He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” Martha was caught up in religion and was convinced that Lazarus had already started to decay. Then Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe, you would see the glory of God?” Then they removed the stone and Jesus said, “Lazarus, come forth!” and he who was dead became alive. They saw the glory of God.
Your dream may appear dead and even your religious friends may tell you that it has already begun to decay. In fact, when you talk about your dream, to some people it may “stinketh.” But God is the God of the living. His plan for your life has not changed. In the same way Jesus spoke to Martha, God is saying to you today, “Did I not say to that if you would believe, you would see the glory of God?”
Your God-given dream is not dead. It is only sleeping. Apply your faith to your dream and God will resurrect it into new life. It doesn’t matter how things look or what others say. Speak God’s promise into your dead dream, and it will live.
Kenneth E. Hagin prophesied that this is the time when the glory of God would be manifested. In order for Martha to see the glory of God, she had to add belief to the promise. Do not allow circumstances, people, or presumed defeat to derail you from believing. Believe in your God-given dream and you will see the manifested glory of God.
Copyright © Larry Ollison Ministries
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.