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CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – A friend once told me a dream they had. They were in the jungle, and from out of the woods a mighty lion appeared. And the lion spoke to them. “I have bigger plans for you.” And then the lion turned around and disappeared into the woods.
I told them that’s quite a dream. Now this person isn’t particularly religious. And I told them that sometimes God is depicted as a lion, the Mighty Lion of Judah. That was news to them. My friend now believes that, in their dream, they received a message from God.
For all I know, they’re right. Who am I to say otherwise?
And it’s an unusual message. This person is much younger than me, and is sometimes frustrated because their life seems like it’s on-hold. They’ve yet to figure out their purpose. And I understand that can be frustrating. What if your purpose isn’t revealed until much later in life? This person feels lost right now. God’s message seems to be “be patient”.
The lion dream was also frustrating for me. My belief has been unshakable for many years now. But never in my life has God reached out to me with an undeniable message. I’m aware of God’s presence every day through prayer and the reading of the Bible and while being in worship at The Cross. But no talking lions for me.
I believe I’ve already found my purpose in life. I believe I am here to talk to people, and inform them, and, on occasion to entertain them. Having a sense of purpose has been a blessing to me. Maybe someday I won’t be behind this microphone. But I believe my gifts will still be of use, just in some other way.
In Jerimiah, God speaks to all of us: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Chris Conley
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