You’ve been dreaming. You’ve been praying. You’ve been planning and following God’s lead. And finally, after the wait and the work, you experience your God-sized dream.
Now what?
It’s not a let-down, per se. It’s just that the dream has been your focus for quite a while, and now that you’ve been fortunate enough to experience it, there’s a bit of a void. Maybe you even feel a little lost and not sure what to do next. I get it—I know the feeling.
When we’ve worked toward one focus for a period of time, that’s what we’ve grown used to. It’s the goal we’ve been looking forward to—the God-sized dream that God may or may not bring to pass. When we don’t experience it, it’s still out there in the “maybe someday” category. When we do experience it, we relish in the awesome experience. And then…the question…what’s next?
What comes after the God-sized dream?
This is where I’d love to tell you I have the answer, but I don’t. In fact, I’m right there with you in wondering what’s next? But what I can share are three thoughts I’m keeping in front of me.
Remember where you were and where God took you.
Think back to when you first started to envision your God-sized dream. How did God plant that dream in your heart? How long was it before He fulfilled that dream?
Often during the time of waiting for something, it’s hard to imagine it ever happening. What a blessing it is to be able to look back and see how your dream formed, grew, and finally transpired….and to know it can all happen again, maybe with a dream continued or possibly something completely new you don’t even know about yet.
Ask God what’s next.
Thank Him for the dream realized and ask Him what’s next in His plans for you. In my experience, it’s usually not an immediate or direct answer. Wouldn’t that be nice? But as we ask, we listen expectantly. God does not bring us to a place and then leave us there alone.
Continue to lean in to Him and let Him be the guide. In the meantime, do the next thing in front of you. It might be the next logical thing, such as planning dinner or taking care of your family. Or it could stem from your dream realized, like working to grow the new business or working on the next writing project.
Wait patiently.
God-sized dreams are not one per customer. Just as He led you before, He will lead you again.
If God seems to be quiet for a time, consider that He may be giving you time to rest. Keep leaning in to Him. Listen expectantly. And wait patiently. In His time, you will hear from Him. You may feel a new dream forming or see clearly the next step you need to take.
And when you can, keep company with fellow God-sized dreamers, either in-person or online. Dreamers understand each other. We know what it’s like to have a dream that you can’t quite identify or explain, or a dream that feels way too big for one person. That’s precisely why it’s a God-sized dream.
Shared by: Laura Rath
[Photo credit: Unsplash.com]
Michele Morin says
October 10, 2016 at 6:48 amLaura, these beautiful words sent my brain careening toward Paul’s words, only instead of “from glory to glory,” we live our lives “from dream to dream.” Thanks for giving us something to ponder and a place to stand in the time of waiting for “the next thing.”
Laura Rath says
October 10, 2016 at 11:23 amI like that — “from dream to dream.” All within His plans. Thanks Michele!
Barbie says
October 10, 2016 at 10:31 amSuch great points Laura! It’s so important to not allows ourselves to lose heart while we are waiting for the next part of our journey to unfold.
Laura Rath says
October 10, 2016 at 11:24 amAmen Barbie! Thanks for visiting here!
generalkat says
October 10, 2016 at 8:39 pmMy dream is on “hold.” I keep waiting and watching for it to be unfurled, but the realization that it may never happen, keeps me discouraged and frustrated. I cling to hope that this current situation will be reversed and I can find the fulfillment and joy of a dream come true. Prayer and seeking the Lord in His Word has sustained me thus far.
Laura Rath says
October 11, 2016 at 12:04 amThank you for your comment! I hear you…waiting on God’s timing for dreams we’re praying for and plans we can’t quite see can be frustrating and discouraging. I want to push ahead, but I know that God’s way will be so much better than what I try to make happen. (I’ve learned that the hard way, of course.) Prayer and meeting God in His Word make the best waiting room…so glad to hear you’re already there! Praying God keeps you strong as you wait for Him to reveal His plans for your dream. God bless!
Unmasking the Mess says
October 11, 2016 at 9:10 amI love this post Laura! I left a comment at your site!
Blessings to you!
Julie
Laura Rath says
October 11, 2016 at 4:19 pmThank you Julie!
Lauren Gaskill says
October 11, 2016 at 4:06 pmWOW! What a good word, Laura. This post is going to bless so many, and I know it’s blessed me.
Laura Rath says
October 11, 2016 at 4:21 pmThank you Lauren! Happy to see you over here. 🙂
Lori Schumaker of Seaching for Moments says
October 13, 2016 at 4:17 amLaura,
Waiting for that dream can be so tough! Especially when others around you are realizing that very same dream and you are not! Remembering what God has done in the past is such a good strategy to keep our minds focused on the goodness of God and on His power to do things in His perfect time. Thanks for sharing this post at #MomentsofHope! You are a blessing! And what fun to find a new link-up here at God-Sized Dreams!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Laura Rath says
October 13, 2016 at 12:28 pmThank you Lori! So glad you found us over here. 🙂