And Sarah declared, “God has brought me laughter! All who hear about this will laugh with me. For who would have dreamed that I would ever have a baby? Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age!” Genesis 21:6-7 (NLT)

In 1983, Rick Hanson shared Canadian Athlete of the Year honors with hockey star Wayne Gretsky. A few days later, Hanson was injured in an automobile accident. His injuries left him paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair.

Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Dreams are the touchstones of our characters.” Rick Hanson showed his while still in the hospital. Rather than succumb to his disability, he began searching for a new dream immediately. He decided that he would be the first person to ride around the world in a wheelchair.

Finally, after several years and more than 27, 000 miles, Rick Hanson welcomed the joyous refrains of his supporters, as he returned home. Knowing that our dreams affect others, Hanson expressed hope that others might follow their own dreams as well.

Everything begins with a dream. Sarah’s faith began with a dream of having a child. In fact, a dream is the spark that ignites the fire of action. Joy and laughter comes with the achievement. Our friends and family rejoice with us when they hear of our achievement. But more importantly, they are inspired to pursue their own dreams because someone they know has shown them it can be done.

Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. O God, we are inspired by your dream of eternal salvation. May we receive it in our own lives and encourage others to receive it also. Empower us to nurture our dreams as well as the dreams of those around us. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN

Let us praise God for his plan and live for his purpose,