The realization of a dream isn’t half as dreamy as dreaming it.
It’s the put on your big girl pants, pull up your bootstraps, and get to work part of seeing our dreams come to reality.
Dreaming isn’t for the faint of heart. At least not the “dreams come true” part. But often the inevitable roadblocks to our dreams cause us to doubt or even convince us we must be on the wrong path.
And the voice of doubt has all kinds of subtle dream-killer phrases to choose from:
“God must not really want me to pursue this dream.”
“I must have heard Him wrong.”
“Maybe I don’t really have what it takes.”
“Tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, when the kids finish school, when the kids go back to school, after I’ve learned more, etc.”
I’d like to suggest another option when we find ourselves backed into a corner or tripped-up and facedown in the gravel along our God-sized dream journey.
Maybe we’re exactly where we’re meant to be.
Maybe the very thing that screams turn back is what’s meant to drive us to the Dreamgiver and to reveal strength that was previously unknown and is necessary for the path ahead.
Our enemy wants to keep us as far as possible from our dreams, because he knows they’re the path to God’s heart. And His heart is the place where we discover exactly what He had in mind when He wove us together in our mother’s womb—where we hear the rhyme and meter of the “poiema” that He’s written (go here for more about this idea).
He’s designed us perfectly, and He made us weak and dependent on purpose.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. (2 Corinthians 4:7)
Pursuing dreams is supposed to be hard, to bring us to the end of our rope, and to convince us of our desperate need for the practical power of God’s Spirit in our lives. Collaborating with our Maker in the good works He planned for specifically for us is a place of intimacy and power like no other.
Our dreams will pass away with us, but seeing His glory and experiencing His deep love and provision for us is eternal. That may very well be the true purpose of our God-sized dream journey.
Shared by: Kim Hyland
So needed this reminder today > Pursuing dreams is supposed to be hard, convincing us we need God’s power in our lives. Yes, today and everyday!
I’m convinced of the truth of your words, and Paul’s own testimony in the NT is certainly proof of it! When I get discouraged about my pursuit, I do find myself whispering words such like, “This is my hard thing — lean into it!” to encourage myself to keep going. It’s in the process that our soul-refinement takes place!
It is encouraging to know that the Lord has a perfect plan to achieve the “God sized dream” planted in my heart. I am sure He will give His direction and supply me with His power and wisdom in achieving what He has destined. I look forward to seeing this dream unfold, but meanwhile I will be content with small steps of faith, continuing to listen for the Voice that calls me to move on and hold fast to His promises. Thanks for your wonderful words.
I love it when God reiterates His truth to us! During my time in Psalms this am, I was struck by our desperation for the Lord, and His purpose for it. Maybe we can only let go of the dreams we clinch so tightly when we’re face down in His presence. Thank you for helping us to recognize the divine in desperation.