Dream Big, Pray Hard, Think Long, Jump In
Years ago, after reading Mark Batterson’s book The Circle Maker, I was struck by how the principles mentioned in his book—Dream Big, Pray Hard, and Think Long—aligned perfectly with the core values of Dare for More. We liked the way he worded things so good that we adopted his wording. But we had one more principle that needed to be added: Jump In. While dreaming, praying, and thinking long-term are essential, action is equally vital. At some point, you have to step out and begin. Dare for More is a walking testament to how these principles change a work and change lives.
At Dare for More, we invite everyone we meet—whether on mission trips or at women’s events—to Dream Big with us. We believe God’s plans are infinitely greater than we can imagine (Ephesians 3:20), and that He invites us to bring our dreams to Him. He is honored when we dream in God-size fashion. He is glorified when he works the miracle to bring those God-sized dreams to fruition.
He also calls us to Pray Hard, because prayer is key to seeing God move mountains (Matthew 7:7-8). God invites us into His presence, as His children, to cast our cares on Him and trust Him with our dreams. Pray is where God aligns my dreams with His plans. Prayer is where I surrender my way and will to His divine leading, knowing that He knows what is best. It’s hard because God doesn’t always work things out the way I pray. He takes longer than I want. And he definitely leads in different ways than I planned. But the more I pray, the more I learn to trust Him and over time I long for His will.
“Prayer is where I surrender my way and will to His divine leading, knowing that He knows what is best.”
Speaking of time, Thinking Long is all about understanding that true change takes time. Lives, communities, and even nations can be transformed, but it often happens through a million small steps. It’s not an overnight journey; it’s about persistence and faith (Hebrews 11:1). Thinking Long requires vision to look beyond my circumstances today and see a future that doesn’t currently exist. It requires faith to believe and hope. It takes us beyond the temporary, fleeting moments of today and propels us into the possibilities and promises of tomorrow.
But none of this matters if we don’t Jump In. Like Peter stepping out onto the stormy sea, we have to take that leap of faith, trusting that God will provide and sustain us. Peter didn’t wait on the waves to calm down or the storm to cease. He asked Jesus if he could walk on the storm with him. Jesus invited Peter to come. I know what you are thinking, but Peter began to sink. And yes you are right when he focused on the winds and the waves he faltered. But I would remind you that for a moment, he walked on water. Jumping in requires the courage that Peter had that day. I believe God still longs for his followers to ask to step out of the boat and onto the water. I believe he smiles when we have the courage to believe him to sustain us and to keep us a float in the middle of the storms. And I believe the other disciples who stayed in the boat that day not the Sea of Galilee regretted not stepping out (Matthew 14:28-30).
These principles don’t just apply to Dare for More; they apply to my life and yours. Where can you Dream Big, Pray Hard, Think Long, and Jump In today? God is ready to meet you right where you are.
Reflection
Take a few moments to reflect on areas in your life where you can apply these principles. Where do you need to Dream Big and trust God for more than you can imagine? Where do you need to Pray Hard and invite God into your biggest hopes and struggles? Where can you Think Long and embrace a vision that takes persistence? And finally, where is God calling you to Jump In, even if it feels risky?
Write down one action for each principle and commit it to God in prayer today.
