A Holy Bulldozer

Have you ever felt like the obstacles you're facing are insurmountable? As in, if God doesn't do this, it's just not happening?

I sure have.

There are times I feel overwhelmed and uncertain, yet I can honestly say that my faith in God's ability never swerves. I doubt my own abilities to make it through, around, or over the obstacles. But I know and firmly believe God can do anything. Anything.

Last summer I was feeling particularly overwhelmed, and God gave me a vivid dream:

* * * *

I drove directly behind a giant bulldozer on a crazy dirt road under construction. Both sides of the road held huge trucks doing all sort of work, along with men wearing orange vests and hard hats.

Dirt and debris flew across my windshield as I trailed the bulldozer, and it required all my attention and concentration to remain close and focused. The road held enormous holes, strange angles and shifted from steep to narrow.

It took every bit of energy I possessed to continue directly behind the bulldozer and to stay focused, but as long as I did, I made progress. I determined that no matter what it took, I would remain close behind that bulldozer and keep focused.

* * * *

I awoke from that dream amazed and encouraged. God had given me a picture of not only what He was doing in my life, but what I was required of me--and all of us-- as we attempt to move forward while facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

God's part is to clear the way for us--He removes obstacles, accomplishing the heavy moving and lifting we cannot manage alone. I love how He showed Himself as a bulldozer, because that shows me that He will not allow anything to stand in our way. If God wants us to move forward, He is going to make it happen.

Our part is radiantly clear:

1. Be determined. This is not a casual decision to see how things go. We must determine that we are willing to do everything it takes to pursue God and keep moving forward.

2. Stay actively close to God. This requires hard work. The Lord was moving fast and it truly required all my effort not to fall behind. Sometimes life is crazy, but regardless of how fast it flies by, we need to do our parts and make every endeavor to stay close to the Lord.

3. Remain focused. All the activity on both sides of the road competed for my attention. Yet a glance in either direction would cost me. Isn't this a spectacular picture of our lives? Distractions abound, but those who are focused move forward.

How about you? Could you use some bulldozing right now? Which of the three points is most difficult for you--determination, staying close to God, or being focused?