It was almost as if 1993 was the year of dreams for me. Looking back, I can see that God was preparing to guide me toward the work He had planned for me. I dreamt that I had purchased an old house that came filled with various pieces of old furniture. I moved through the house. I tossed out some rubbish. I decided what to keep. I saw a shelf with large, square cane baskets. “I should keep them,” I thought. “They might come in handy.”

 

I picked up one beautiful old cane basket and noticed a small door behind the baskets. I pushed it open and crawled through. To my amazement, I found myself in a large courtyard that I would have never expected to exist within the house. Weeds and massive antique train locomotives and wagons filled the courtyard. I realised that they were likely worth millions and that they were now mine to use.

 

The first part of my dream, involving the inside of the house, represented the state of my life at that time. It was a time when God was teaching me about both Him and myself. He was addressing my weaknesses and my strengths. At the time, however, I was unable to recognize any strengths or gifts I possessed. The old cane baskets I found and embraced symbolized my acceptable parts. I felt Him saying, "I will use those containers." They are old, but they are beautiful, and I will fill them and put them on display for My glory.”

 

The dream's end, with a secret doorway and a courtyard of old, valuable locomotives, dealt with my future. I wrote in my journal then. I felt God was saying, "In the most sacred place within you lie these treasures, still hidden by weeds." They are My vehicles, driven by My power. They will carry others to needed places, bringing them joy. And these treasures—by the way—are not for sale!”

Although it was an exciting dream, I didn’t grasp its interpretation until now.

Several years ago, a small group of senior pastors from a few selected Vineyard churches, took a course. It aimed to discover our strengths and weaknesses as leaders.

 

To my surprise, the instructor displayed my results on the screen for everyone to see. My lowest score among the three types of leaders was in 'Leadership.' My highest score was in 'Empowering.' When she asked about my high score in 'Empowering,' I replied, "What do I have to do to score higher in 'Leadership'?" She ignored my question and tried to redirect me to my results in 'Empowering.' Then, another pastor, with tears in her eyes, intervened. She addressed me and said, "You don't get it, do you?" It was only then that I realised I was unable to see what they were talking about. I was so preoccupied with my failures that I couldn’t appreciate what God had blessed me with. What I didn’t know was that most pastors generally score low in empowering others.

 

Hendrik and I spent much time raising these 'locomotives, coaches, and trains.' Unfortunately, we often faced setbacks. Others were credited with our efforts. But, God reminded me, “They are not for sale.” They are His vehicles; all we needed to do was pull out the weeds and clean them. The credit belongs to the Lord.

Praise to our Lord and Saviour. To Him and Him alone be all the glory!