Every pastor, just like every person, needs a dream. Why?

The right dream focuses your energy. And we all could use more focused energy, right? It seems harder and harder to find it these days.

One of the first lessons that most pastors have to learn is that they can’t do everything. Not everything is worth doing; some things are more important than others. Some things need to be delegated to others. 

Smart selection is key. You have to decide what matters and what doesn’t, what dream is worth your life and what dream is not worth one second of your life.

Did you ever dream about being famous? Or maybe the best preacher in the world? Did you dream about leading a large church?

Those dreams are not worth a moment of your life, because they are fleeting. One minute you could be a hero, and the next minute, you’re a zero. One minute you’re on the cover of some magazine, and the next week it’s in the trash.

Going after trophies, even ministry trophies, is a foolish goal. Why? Because, given enough time, all your trophies are going to be thrown away by someone in this generation or the next.

Don’t live your life for trophies and fame. Those are not big enough dreams!

You need a dream that impacts eternity. That kind of dream focuses your energy and helps you endure in tough times.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 9:25-26, “An athlete goes to all this trouble just to win a blue ribbon or a silver cup, but we do it for a heavenly reward that never disappears. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step” (TLB).

When you choose God’s dream for your life, you become purpose driven. You’re not just playing around with your life.

God’s dream focuses your ministry so you can run straight to the goal he has set for you. When you run with that kind of effort, you won’t waste a second of your life.