Enlarge the Place of Your Tent

What is it about faith when it comes to our dreams or ideas coming to fruition?  In my experience, rarely have I seen such things "just happen,” but rather, it appears there is always a requirement of our first “stepping out”.  Hebrews Chapter 11, the “Faith Chapter” of the Bible, begins by making the bold statement “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” For those who want proof first, this concept is a huge challenge.

Looking back over my life, I think of many dreams or ideas that haven’t, to this point, gotten off the ground.  One of my dreams is write a book.  Another, much larger dream I have is to open and run a Community Center in Islington, a small borough of London, England, wherein I could teach young women the basics of being a good wife and mother, as well as how to be a healthy, whole godly woman.  Obviously these two dreams, to this point, have just been ideas and not realities.  I haven’t yet put action to my faith to see what happens.  Then, there’s the blogging dream, which I am in the midst of “putting out there” to God and others, to see what He determines.  So, “ta-dah!”, I’ve at least stepped out on one thing!

One of my all-time favorite movies is “Field of Dreams,” which was made in 1989, and stars Kevin Costner (when he was at the height of his all-time cuteness). It’s about an Iowa corn farmer, Ray Kinsella, who’s hit hard times.  He keeps hearing a voice, especially when he’s out in his fields, telling him to “Build it and they will come.”    Everyone thinks he’s lost his mind, when he builds this huge baseball field, taking up precious land that could otherwise grow crops.  However, as a result of Ray activating his faith, despite all the nay-sayers, famous deceased Red Sox players from years’ past come and play ball on his field every night! He is also reconciled to his father, who was a baseball player, and even makes tons of money, because everyone wants to come and witness what the heck was going on.  Trust me, it’s an awesome, feel-good movie!

Now obviously, there’s a bit of fantasy playing out here, but can you see why this movie came to mind the other morning when I read Isaiah 54:2-4:

“Enlarge the place of your tent,
stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back;
lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. 
For you will spread out to the right and to the left…
Do not be afraid, you will not suffer shame.
Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.”

God can even use a movie to prove a point. God needs us to active our faith in preparation of what is to come in our own Field of Dreams.

I had to ask... “God is this a word for me?  Is this a word for those who read my blog?  And if it is, how are we, in faith, supposed to enlarge our tents?”  I then prayed, “Will you please show us, Lord?  What does this word mean to each of us personally?  Is it meant for here and now, or is it something we are meant to ponder and hold on to, dreaming and looking for opportunity?”

I’ll be honest, for me personally, He didn’t give me an immediate booming answer.  However, I’ve been pondering and processing this encounter for a few days now.  I’ve asked myself…is it time?  Is it time for me and/or you, to take a step and activate our faith about something?  Is it time to be brave and “put ourselves out there?”

In the above passage, He tells us not to be afraid. And furthermore, He boldly states we will not suffer shame, disgrace or humiliation.  So I keep asking… “God, what is it that you may want me (and you) to do? And how will “enlarging the place of our tents, stretching the curtains, lengthening the cords and strengthening the stakes," look?

I’ve imagined…perhaps we need to enlarge our hearts to love someone who, for whatever reason, God’s placed in our lives?  Perhaps we need to strengthen our stakes and prepare ourselves for a dream or idea.  Maybe we need to open the curtains of our eyes and hearts so we can even see what it is that He has for us to do, or the steps He wants us to take in activing our faith.  And maybe, just maybe, our dreams have been too small, or we haven’t even allowed ourselves to dream, and He needs us to “lengthen the cords” of our mind, and actually practice dreaming of the incredible things He could do through us.

What would it look like?  What could be accomplished if we were brave and took a step of faith?  Even if in taking a step out, we fail, so what?  At least we took a step out and we did something courageous! And with each step, we’re negating the effect of the future regret of not even trying.

I’m confident that the journey of asking is actually part of the answer. The journey is where He speaks to us and prepares us for what is ahead.  So, I continue to move forward…seeking Him out and trying to be quite enough to actually hear Him when He speaks. 

I honestly don’t say what I’m getting ready to say without meaning it…but I’m praying for you on this one.  I know, in my heart, that I was to pass this encounter on, because I don’t think it’s just for me. This is meant for many of you.  He’s needs you to take a step and activate your faith. I can’t wait to hear about the bold steps that will be taken, the ideas that will be birthed, the dreams that will be realized.  If you’re wondering… just ask Him.  He’ll answer.

Thank you for reading.  Love you much!