Have you ever noticed how quickly comparing yourself to someone else can ruin almost anything? A good mood, a great idea, a new opportunity, an exciting adventure, a well-earned accomplishment, or even a God-sized dream.
As soon as we start looking around at what others have done, we start criticizing what we’re doing. Certainly, looking at someone else’s success can be inspiring and motivating to reach for the stars, but that’s not what I’m talking about here.
I’m talking about the comparisons that make us think we can’t do something and shouldn’t even try; when we look at someone else’s accomplishments and pick apart our own.
When we believe the enemy’s lies.
In her book, You’re Made for a God-sized Dream, author Holley Gerth lists five lies that keep us from dreaming.
Lie #1: “Dreaming is Selfish”
Lie #2: “I Don’t Have What It Takes”
Lie #3: “It’s Too Late”
Lie #4: “I Don’t Deserve to Dream”
Lie #5: “I Don’t Have Time”
Which ones get in your way? For me, the second and third are the ones I have to work the most on. I can too easily give up because someone else is doing what I dream of doing…as if one person’s success takes away the possibility that I can succeed.
To fight the lies, I have to determine what is thought and what is truth.Click To TweetThought: This woman is a wonderful speaker on a national stage. I can’t measure up to that. Why am I even trying to speak at a women’s event at my local church?
Truth: I don’t have to measure up to someone else; I just have to follow where God leads.
God calls each of us in different ways. Two speakers may have a similar message, but each will deliver the message in her own way, with her own story, and reach different audiences. That’s how God works. Our dreams and skills may look alike, but He knows each will be carried out differently because He did not create us to be exactly the same.
The dream He gives you is unique to you because the journey of getting there will be your own.Click To TweetThought: I don’t have what it takes. I’m not good enough.
Truth: Very few people are able to do something perfectly when they first start. We need time and practice to hone a craft, and even then there will still be room for improvement.
God-sized dreams are made for you and God to work on together. You may not be confident in your skills or in what God is calling you to do, but you can be confident that He knows what He’s doing. If He’s calling you, He will prepare you. In His time and His way.
Thought: It’s too late. My age, background, history, ________ (fill in the blank) are too much to overcome. I waited too long; I missed the boat.
Truth: We put time limits on ourselves that don’t come from God. Yes, the perfect opportunity (in your eyes) may have passed, but that doesn’t mean He hasn’t planned a new opportunity.
Life doesn’t go as smoothly as we would like, and things like family commitments, financial difficulties, illness, bad choices, and _________ (again, fill in the blank here) pull us away from our goals. Life has changed and your days and future don’t look like you wanted them to, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late.
If God is calling you to something, and you’re willing, then He’ll get you there. It may take longer and it may be more difficult than you’d hoped. He may bypass the straight road and lead you the long way around, but that time is when He’s preparing you.
Whatever you’ve struggled with is not too much for God, and it does not discount you from dreaming God-sized dreams. In fact, our times of struggle are when we often feel closest to God. It’s when we realize how much we need Him and that He doesn’t turn away from us.
What lies are holding you back?
Try to identify what’s thought and what’s truth—what the enemy wants you to believe and what God promises you. And remember that no matter how a situation looks, nothing is impossible for God. Nothing.
Shared by: Laura Rath
[Photo credit: Unsplash.com]
Number 5 is my nemesis, as I go racing through life, focusing mainly on the pragmatic concern of crossing things off my list. In 2018, I want to take more time to plow deep and to hear the call of God upon my life.
Thanks, Laura, for godly wisdom that debunks the lies we tell ourselves every day.
Yep, I know about wanting to cross things off my list! Thanks Michele.
#3 is my downfall. But this year I am finding myself more focused (my one word for the year) and desiring to make the years ahead fulfill God’s purposes for my life. Thank you, Laura, for bringing truth today!
I’ll look forward to hearing about your year of focus!
I don’t think my nemesis is listed here: what if my dream is wrong? I’m always stymied when it comes to articulating my dreams because they’re simple: be a good wife and homemaker, a good mom and nana, serve in my church. Being a teacher was my dream when I was young, and I lived that dream. Now I’m retired, I dream of enjoying life as it is.
I think that’s a question that stops many of us. Maybe we have to let certain dreams go and if He brings it back then we know it’s from Him. I do think being present and enjoying life is a good one!!
I love this! I can relate to #2 & #3 as well, and it can really derail me. Over and over! Your encouragement is spot on. The dream is not about us or our abilities nearly as much as it is about Him and what He wants to do through us!
Thanks Becky!
This is so well done, Laura! I plead guilty. Numbers 2 and 3 were great tools designed to upend me. One of my long-time dreams was to write. When the opportunity to consider doing that on a website and through blogging after I retired from an overly crammed schedule and life of ministry. The enemy threw everything in his bag of tricks because he knew they had always worked before. I believed everyone was already writing anything I might even dream of saying and it was also too late for me as a retired wife, mom, and grandmother of 6. Gratefully, my husband and one other person persisted in nudging me (along with the Holy Spirit) and I risked stepping out.
I’m so glad you did step out Pam! There have been a few people whose encouragement really helped me follow where I thought God was leading. He knows we need that encouragement from others! 🙂
You got me with number 2, Laura. That’s the one I battle with, but have decided to move past it and not let it defeat me. Especially when I take time to remember that it’s only through him that I can do anything anyway. Without him, we can do nothing, with him we can do all things! Very encouraging post! And the comments help us all see that we are not alone, but in good company!!
I might add, too, that my word for this year is “Success.” God led me to this word after showing me, first, that he desires our success, and second for helping me to see that I feared it. Crazy isn’t it, how we can fear the very thing he wants for us?!
Hi Sheila,
Success is a good word for the year. I’ve learned that the way we define success is different from how God might define success. What I want might not work out, but if I’ve followed His lead and walked with Him in obedience, then I’ve been successful. Thanks for visiting and commenting!
Blessings,
Laura
#5 – I don’t have time. However, I do know we make time for what is important.
I agree with that. I think sometimes “I don’t have time” is because I haven’t made time.
Lie #3… girlfriend, are you a fly on my wall?
LOL! I knew I couldn’t be the only one!
Good truths, my friend!
💜
Laura, what a great post. #2 is my nemesis too. You’re so right. Sometimes we need to radically change our thinking and self-perceptions. Because God knows what He created us to do. And He knows what His plans are for us. He gives us what we need to fulfill the calling, to pursue the dreams. We need to keep our mind set on His “enough-ness” and not on our perceived lack. And yes, I’m speaking to myself here. 🙂
Yes! His plans and this time!
Laura, I echo so many of the above comments. Depending on the season, I can claim to believe all the lies. But I love how you taught us how to choose the truth over the lies. It’s a lot of work to cling to what God says of us rather than the enemy; but there is great reward in believing God! Thank you for your wise words of encouragement!
Thank you Susan! 💙
Such a good word, Laura. The father of lies sure likes to get in our heads and try to convince us we’re not enough, doesn’t he? And, even he (satan) knows good and well that our weaknesses are where God shines. — Number 4 is probably where I struggle, if I had to choose. My childhood family is one of dysfunction, and there’s always this little nagging wound in the back of my mind that says I’m not worthy. sigh. Praise God, the truth has set me free. I know the truth, and even though I have to remind myself sometimes, I’m so thankful He’s led me this far. Far enough that I now know in my head and in my heart that He loves me and claims me and finds me redeemable. He’s the absolute best! ♥
I’m praising God with you Brenda. He is good! All the time!
I struggle with lies #2 and 3. Thank you for the truths that you shared for replacing these lies.
Glad you stopped by Vicki! Thank you.