I have many dreams. They vary anywhere from being a writer/speaker to owning my own children’s clothing consignment store. They are all over the map and I love talking about each of them. You’ll find me saying a lot, “One day I would love to…..” or “Wouldn’t it be great if some day…..”
Talking about my dreams is great, but doing something about them is a different story.
Ask me what I’m going to actually do to realize those dreams and all you will get from me is a blank stare.
The way to get started is to stop talking and start doing. (Walt Disney)
Taking action is risky.
There is usually too much involved and not enough time or money. I like safety and comfort, not risk and the unknown. So when God lays something on my heart that is out of my comfort zone, I stall. I make excuses and sometimes I outright ignore his nudges.
I recently heard a sermon on using our gifts and taking risks. The pastor said, “Discipleship doesn’t mean a safe harbor….venture out to what’s unknown and God will meet you there.” (<==Tweet that)
Did you know that most of the dreamers of this world took a risk and ended up in a place different than they expected?
Take Christopher Columbus for instance.
Not once did he make his plans, set sail, and then land where he thought he would. He had vision though, and he wasn’t afraid of taking the risk.
Where there is no vision the people will perish… (Proverbs 29:18)
I believe Christians are called to be risk takers. One of my favorite writers/bloggers, Melanie Shankle had this to say about taking risk:
Because here’s the thing, it’s easier to sit on your couch than to risk failing. It’s easier to sit on your couch than to be out in the world where you’re vulnerable and open to being hurt or disappointed. But you know what happens while you sit on your couch playing Candy Crush and watching Tami Taylor? Life. Beautiful, gorgeous, fragile, heartbreaking, mind-blowing, life. God has a script written for each and every one of us, no matter who we are or what we’ve done or how much we feel completely ill-equipped for the adventure.(Big Mama aka Melanie Shankle)
[pinit count=”horizontal”]In the parable of talents found in Matthew 25:14-30 we see a Master who gives his servants a certain number of talents according to their ability. The Master gave one servant five talents, which the servant doubled. The next servant was given two talents. He did the same. The last servant was given one talent and he buried it in the dirt.
He buried his talent in the dirt!
So I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours. Matthew 25:25
Yikes! I would hate to have been that guy!
But aren’t we just like him? Don’t we too refuse to obey and following the call we know God is putting on our lives?
The bad servant played it safe. He was afraid of the unknown, so he buried his talents. The servant expected his Master to be thankful for protecting the talent. Instead, the master was infuriated.
The Master trusted his servant with a little to see what he would do. And the servant did nothing.
We can talk all day long about our dreams, but at the end of the day, talk is cheap and leads nowhere.
God doesn’t play it safe, He took risks (look at creation). And I think He expects the same of us.
How have you played it safe? What is one thing you’ve been holding back on because you’re afraid take a risk?
Shared by: Alecia Simersky
Photo Credit: Wessex Archaeology via Compfight cc
Ashley Fields says
April 7, 2014 at 7:38 amThis is totally off subject but….it’s interesting; I start reading the posts each day and try to figure out who the author is. Most of the time I get it right! You ladies each have unique voices that just beg to be heard. Thank you for answering that call!
Thank you so much for this post Alecia! I do have talents that I bury because stepping out in faith is hard. It’s the only way that we truly learn to trust God and it’s also an awesome way to learn A LOT about ourselves. God is doing everything He can to get me to take this journey of getting out of my comfort zone but it’s not easy for me to do. Writing is one of them because most of the time, I don’t even know where to begin. The other is working with people/public speaking. My confidence is absolutely non-present when it comes to both of those things. I can speak clearly and work well with others in one-on-one situations but in a group, I tend to crawl back into my shell and camp out there. I’m trying to work on that.
Alecia says
April 7, 2014 at 10:54 amHaha, Ashley, this made me laugh. I try to do that too. I don’t always remember whose posting for the day, so it’s fun to read through and guess. You’re right we each have different and unique writing voices…but all working for one purpose, to glorify God and encourage others in their journeys.
Group settings make me quiet as well, one on one I’m fine, but in groups I tend to withdraw. I’m a lot more comfortable with this part of myself than I used to be. Keeping writing and working especially when it scares you, that’s when you will see that you need to do it the most. God Bless!!
Kristin Waters says
April 7, 2014 at 7:49 amI am pursuing my dream- but in a safe way. I do not share my blog posts on Facebook for fear of co-workers, friends with different beliefs or newer friends who don’t have a clue as to our history. I’m afraid they might look at us with critical eyes and not let their children hang out at our house with our daughter. It boils down to people-pleasing and a fragile self-worth. I pray to make a difference every day, yet I am so scared to truly unearth my talent.
Alecia says
April 7, 2014 at 11:04 amI used to feel the same, so afraid. In sharing those posts, I was surprised by the encouragement that came from people I least expected it from. Writing gave me a way to express myself that I had never had before. It freed me and gave me a voice. I want to encourage you to keep going and do those things prayerfully that make you scared. You have nothing to lose!
I get the people pleasing and wanting people to look favorably at you. In fact I would say it’s one of the biggest idols in my life. Being your true self regardless of what people think or say is the only real way to be though. For me it’s a daily choice please God or people, it can be tough though, huh?
NichSimpson says
April 7, 2014 at 11:56 amI understand Kristen’s perspective and agree that writing can be difficult if we focus on self.
I think ultimately, that we must discern our intention and allow God to direct us in His purpose.
I’m one to mull over deeply, then I must get my ‘voice’ out there.
I have been so encouraged and uplifted by the posts I find here @Godsizeddreams and know that His timing is perfect (I only just found you)!
I’m encouraged to start writing again as I sense the Holy Spirit nudging me onward…
Thank you so much for your inspiration. Be blessed….
Alecia says
April 7, 2014 at 1:34 pmAbsolutely. Worrying over what others think is the biggest way to stop writing or doing anything that God asks of us. He wants us to trust Him and that usually means stepping out from what others are doing.
I’m so glad you found us, we’re so glad you are here! Welcome!!
Kristin Waters says
April 7, 2014 at 1:42 pmI know-I look to others before God and that is wrong of me. Actually participating in an online bible study about that now : )
I so want to just jump out of my boat- but right now I am testing the waters…finding my voice and learning how to best use it for
God’s purpose.
I want to thank you, Alecia, the God-Sized Dream team and fellow followers for encouraging me on my journey ((♡))
Hally Franz says
April 7, 2014 at 10:21 amI would agree with Ashley on the public speaking thing. I think I have the right tools for it, but it sure would be scary to dive into that. I also have a hard time with all the techy stuff. The writing part is fine for me… it’s the platform- building that intimidates me and puts me out of my comfort zone. Thanks for your encouragement today, Alecia!
Alecia says
April 7, 2014 at 11:11 amHi Hally! So good to see you over here!
Yes, the public speaking gives me the heebie-jeebies. I’m very sensitive to the fact that all eyes are on me and that’s nerve wracking. I would love to someday get there. Like with writing or with anything, really, the more you do it, the easier it gets (at least I would hope!).
And can I just say I HATE the techy stuff too!! I’ve learned a lot from doing and trial and error, but oh my lord, nothing is more frustrating than trying to get code to work and then it doesn’t. If you need any help I’d be happy to help anyway that I can!
Satin says
April 7, 2014 at 11:57 amLOVE this post, Alecia! Isn’t it true? We have to take risks in order to reap the blessings. I’m so grateful to be on this risky journey with you! What a blessing you are-your words of encouragement, the Truth spoken through you… you’re a gift & I’m grateful to call you friend! ♥
Alecia says
April 7, 2014 at 1:36 pmThank you, Satin! Dreaming is risky business, isn’t it? But worth it!! And the journey is definitely better with like-minded friends 🙂
Kimberly says
April 14, 2014 at 9:12 pmLove this 🙂 such the reminder to keep going, sometimes even in uncertainty.