You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat

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I am old enough that I remember watching “Jaws” in the theatre.  I remember several things about it clearly.  One, I remember thinking that the opening scene was gross for more than the just the shark.  Two, I remember the scene of the guys singing, “Show Me the Way to Go Home” because the theatre that I was in, broke out into song, as well.

However, the scene I remember most clearly is when Brody sees the shark for the first time.  He’s at the end of the boat, tossing chum into the water, when suddenly Bruce’s (the shark) head appears.  Brody walks backward, completely stunned, into the cabin where Quint, the captain is standing and says, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”

Part of the reason I remember this so clearly is because my friend, Janet, that I went to the movie with, spilled her cold soda on me due to fright.  This in turn caused me to suck in air at the shock of the cold drink, while trying to not respond to the sight of Bruce with a scream, like the majority of the viewing audience, while eating popcorn – all of which resulted in me choking to bits in the theatre.  This scene is ripe with vivid memories.

This morning, I read the following quote: “If your goals don’t scare you a bit, you’re probably not dreaming big enough.”  It struck me with force that too often in life, I want to dream realistic dreams….possible dreams….safe dreams.  (I mean, come on, hope deferred makes the heart sick, right?  Who wants to be sick?  Worse yet, who wants their hope deferred?!!  Better to dream safe.)

Right now, as I sit here, there is nothing about our life, that appears safe.  But, there are a lot of dreams that we’re holding on to.  A lot of things that the Lord has placed in our hearts.  And while there are some of them that have me backing up saying, “We’re gonna need a bigger boat, Jeff.”  There are none of them that have us in an unsafe place.

Each and every one of our dreams has us placed firmly in the center of Father’s palm and plan.  Is there a safer place to be?

So dear friend, what dream is hidden in your heart?  Is it crazy?  Is it impossible?  Those seem to be the kind that Father enjoys planting in us best.  It allows His glory, His amazing power to be the centerpiece of the manifestation of that dream.  If we can do it ourselves, it’s nothing more than our hard work.  If it is totally outside of the realm of possible with man, then it is the perfect frame to hold a picture of the greatness of our  Lord.

So, cuddle up with your heavenly Father and tell Him the dreams in your heart – then ask for a bigger boat.  It’s gonna be a GREAT ride!

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