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On Tuesdays we are thrilled to fling open the doors to all of YOU! We love hearing your dreaming stories…the lessons you’ve learned, the roads you’ve walked, the dreams He’s planted in your hearts! Today we are thrilled to welcome Renee Fisher, a sweet encourager and dreaming sister. We know her words will bless you!

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It takes bold courage to dream big. Questions like “What if the dream doesn’t go as planned?” or “What if I fail?” threaten to stop me before I begin. I know that doubt kills more dreams than failure because I’ve lived with fear most of my life. In fact, I am currently on medication for anxiety. My dream is to have a baby–a healthy baby–but what if the medication I’m on won’t let me? Besides, what if I can’t get pregnant? What will the doctor say?

I wonder what questions are holding you back from pursuing your dreams?

Maybe it’s finances.
Maybe it’s fear.
Maybe it’s a little bit of everything mixed together.

It’s mornings like this when my husband is at work and I’m alone in my office that I am reminded of all my answered questions and fulfilled dreams. Never once has God abandoned me or left me hopeless.

I’m the one who gave up hope.
I’m the one who said it was hopeless.
I’m the one.

And it makes me sad and mad and glad all at the same time. I know God can help me through the dream of having a baby some day. I know because I thought it was impossible to get married. I was single for 12 years, 10 months, and 24 days from the day God promised me a husband to the day Marc proposed on Coronado Island in San Diego, CA.

I know God is in the business of answering big dreams and prayers because He’s done it before, and He can do it again.

So why am I afraid?
Why are you afraid?
Why are any of us afraid?

I love God’s pep talk to Joshua and the Israelites. First, he starts by saying, “I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses” (Joshua 1:3). This is good news, and a step in the right direction. The Israelites were about to embark on a journey into the Promised Land, a place they had never been before. God knew they would need all the strength and encouragement they can get.

Second, he said to “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6-7). In fact, God said to be strong and courageous three times, with the third being a command.

God knows we must command our fears to leave otherwise we will stop dreaming and shrink back from shame. (<==== Tweet this.)

Fear is a powerful weapon. It keeps us from dreaming. It keeps us from believing and hoping that God can and will do what He promised.

I am not the first woman to struggle with anxiety to believe for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. I am not the first, nor will I be the last. Would you pray for me that I would continue to dream big and ask all the right questions along the way?

Question: What dreams are you currently believing big and hoping for? Don’t forget to list the lies that threaten to stop you from moving forward in faith.

Going back to Joshua, it’s interesting that God didn’t take him up on a mountain for some one-on-one time like he did with Moses. Joshua also didn’t get another Ten Commandments or rules to follow–just a pep talk.

There will be times in our life when we don’t feel ready or equipped, but that is exactly where Jesus wants us to be. (<====Tweet this.)

Don’t be afraid.
You are exactly where you need to be.
With God’s help, you can be bold and courageous.

I can’t wait for the day, like Joshua, when you and I can also say that “you know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed” (Joshua 23:14).

I hope you dream.

Photo Credit: Nhi Dang

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Renee is giving away her latest book, Dream Devotional, 40 Days of Hope, to one of our readers today!!
It’s on sale for $0.99 through Wednesday!

 

Renee Fisher is a veteran blogger and author of five books including “Dream Devotional” (2014). She is the founding editor of DevotionalDiva.com, and a graduate of Biola University. Renee’s enjoys running on sunny days in San Diego. She lives with her adoring husband, Marc, and their fur child named Star who has his own Instagram account. Connect with her at ReneeFisher.com.