Personal encouragement through a dream:

An invitation to renewal and strengthening

Dear sisters, I had a dream that encouraged me personally and I would like to tell you about it in the hope that it will also encourage you. In this dream, I was in a city that was being threatened by soldiers. From an elevated position, I could observe the city. Soldiers were marching in and I saw people running to safety, locking up their stores and hiding.

Suddenly I noticed a boy next to me. Unspoken, I felt that I had to go with him. He led me to a safe place. From there we could observe the extent of the destruction. Everything was covered in earth-colored dust, as if a landslide had taken place. The ominous atmosphere and the now gloomy landscape emphasized the seriousness of the situation.

It felt as if God had sent me help in my time of need, even though I hadn’t actively sought it.

When the danger had passed, the boy suddenly disappeared. I saw the people come out of hiding and reopen their stores. It seemed as if they were used to this state and already knew the process.

Suddenly a sea opened up in front of me. It consisted of crystal clear water. I walked into it and felt myself surrounded by love.

A voice said: “Hoshana, Hoshana”.

Only later did I realize that “Hoshana” is Hebrew and means “Saved has Yahweh” or “Please help”, as in Psalm 118:25 – often rendered as “Hosanna” in German.

It was the call of the Lord, who is our savior and helps us in our need. Even if we don’t understand God’s call at first, we can trust that he will guide us through all situations.

After I heard “Hoshana”, the voice said: “Here is the place where you can give all your complaints and problems.” It was like an invitation from the Holy Spirit to entrust myself to Him and unload my burdens to Him.

While I was in the water, I suddenly realized that other women were also in the sea. Even though we were all together in the same place, we were still each spending time personally and alone with God.

We found comfort and strength in the water bath of the Holy Spirit, letting go of all our worries and trusting God.

I walked back out of the sea and as I stood on the seashore, I saw that there was another sea. It was right next to the one I had just come out of. It looked completely different. This one was dark and rocky – and familiar to me. But I didn’t want to go there at all, so I walked along the long promenade to find a nicer spot. I could see the road curving and a mountain looming in the distance. Inwardly, I knew that if I followed this curve, I would end up in a beautiful place.

We find a fitting story, for example, in Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:4-30). This woman came to a well to draw water and Jesus offered her living water that never runs dry. Through this encounter, the woman experienced an inner liberation and became a messenger of the good news.

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus calls out to us:
“Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

These words encourage us to lay down our burdens with Jesus and find refreshment in his presence. The image of the crystal-clear sea is also a symbol of the life that Jesus offers us: when we surrender to the Holy Spirit and hand over our worries and burdens to him, we find refreshment and renewal for our souls. And more:

“He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his body will flow rivers of living water.”
John 7.38.

The dark sea indicates the old system that we are to leave. We are born again in the water of the Holy Spirit and a new creation.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 it says:
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, new things have come into being.”

The Bible also tells us that we can have a new life in Christ, free from the burdens and worries of the past life. The dream also reminds us that we can strengthen ourselves in the community of believers.

In Matthew 18:20, Jesus says: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

So let us encourage one another and grow in faith together. Remember the stories of the women in the Bible who did great deeds despite their weaknesses and challenges.

• Esther: A queen who, through her courage and willingness to stand up for her people, saved the Jewish people from imminent destruction (Book of Esther).
• Deborah: A prophetess and judge who led Israel in a time of oppression and conflict. With God’s help, she brought victory and peace to the people (Judges 4-5).
• Ruth: A Moabite who became the great-grandmother of King David through her faithfulness and devotion. Her trust in God and her loyalty brought her blessing and recognition (Book of Ruth).
• Hannah: She was barren and despised by others, but she prayed fervently to God and was eventually blessed with Samuel, whom she then dedicated to the Lord
  (1 Samuel 1-2).
• The woman with the issue of blood: She suffered from haemorrhages for twelve years and was shunned by everyone because she was considered unclean. She was lonely and without hope.

But when she touched the hem of Jesus’ robe, she was healed. Jesus, who knew very well who was touching her, turned around and asked aloud: “Power has gone out of me, who touched me?” The woman came to him and was ashamed, but Jesus called her “my daughter” and thus publicly removed all shame and disgrace from her life. This woman shows us that we can come to Jesus despite our weaknesses and suffering and that we can be healed by his love and grace. Her story is an example of how Jesus gives healing, comfort and renewal to all who come to him and believe.

This example reminds us that even when we feel abandoned or are in seemingly hopeless situations, God sees us and is with us. He is the one who gives us living water, provides comfort and gives us hope, even in the bleakest moments of our lives.

God sees you and your challenges and He is not indifferent to you.

He is your God

• Yahweh Shalom – the Lord our peace
• Yahweh Rapha – the Lord heals
• Yahweh Jireh – the Lord will provide
• Yahweh El Shaddai – the almighty, the only sufficient God

He invites you to find help and rest with him.
God has equipped you with a unique strength and calling and he wants to encourage you to use it to overcome challenges and change lives.

In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 it says:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them also which are in any trouble, with the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

God is our comforter, who stands by us in our difficulties and gives us the comfort we need.
Challenges, such as the dark sea, the mountain or the curve of life, should not stop us from making decisions.
God asks us not to stand still.
He invites us to explore new paths with him and trust that he will lead us to a place of renewal and growth. Be courageous to take new steps.

The stories of women in the Bible not only show how God used them in the past, but also encourage us that God uses women in the same way today. He empowers us to use our gifts, talents and voices to build His kingdom on earth and change lives. Women can be a transformative force in all areas of life. Their strength, wisdom and love can positively impact the world around them and embody God’s love and mercy in a powerful way.

You don’t have to accomplish this in your own strength alone. (see Zech 4:6)
“The Lord himself goes before you. He stands by your side and does not forsake you. He always stands by you. Do not be afraid and do not let anyone intimidate you!” ( Deuteronomy 31:8)

Finally, I would like to pray for you:

Thank you, Father, for your continual encouragement and strengthening to us.
Heavenly Father, in humility I come before you, my heart full of gratitude for your unfailing love and grace. May you surround my beloved sisters with your comfort, touch their hearts and fill them with your strength. Let them feel your peace in the stormy times and experience your presence that never leaves their side. Please, Father, help them to cast their cares and burdens on you – according to 1 Peter 5:7 – and strengthen them through your mercy and love. I trust that you, Lord, will guide us all and provide us with everything we need.

The call of the Holy Spirit: This invitation naturally also applies to our brothers.

I pray in your name. Amen.

You are beautiful, very beautiful,
my friend, and there is no blemish on you.
Song of Songs 4:7