I used to be the queen of dreaming.
Seriously. If there was ever a person who could dream the biggest dreams and believe with all her heart they were hers, that person could very well have been me. Not only could I dream the most grandiose dreams, I could also get lost in them. So much so, that I would nearly live in the dream in my mind without ever achieving it. Crazy, huh?
There’s something about realizing a dream, however. One can’t just dream it for it to happen. Effort must follow the dream for it to come to pass.
I also used to be the queen of independence.
It’s good to be independent, isn’t it? Sure, but not when it’s taken too far. Not when you’re the girl who thinks she can do everything on her own. After all, my dreams were my dreams. And I didn’t need any help achieving them, thank you very much.
There’s another truth about realizing a dream: God is the One Who helps us realize our God-sized dreams.
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It takes two to realize your dreams.
You and God.
It takes two as you put the effort into realizing the dream while God teaches, equips, blesses, and assists you in making it happen.
We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it. Proverbs 16:9 MSG
It takes two as you and God partner together. You and God make a great team!
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Together, you and God can make it happen.
What dream causes butterflies in your stomach and makes your heart flutter a little faster? Which one inspires you to step out of your comfort zone, yet appears out of your grasp? What about that one that provokes wondrous thoughts of, “Could I really?” and “What if I did?”
My God-sized dream looks like a mountain in front of me. Some days I question if I’ll ever see it realized in my lifetime. I can get overwhelmed and second-guess my desire in the day-to-day progress (or lack of).
But, what keeps me going is what I know of God. God is faithful. He can be trusted. He’s not going to lead me astray. I know He’s good at being God and I believe He’s got everything under His control.
So, I will keep trusting. I will keep believing He can see what I can’t. I will do my part and allow Him to do His. And, I will continue putting one foot in front of the other, following His lead in the realization of this dream… this dream I believe He’s placed in my heart.
I invite you to join me.
Let’s invite God and partner with Him as we walk this out together.
Father God, You are faithful. You are sovereign. Nothing is beyond your ability, and Your power is limitless. Thank you for being the God who gives us dreams–God-sized dreams–and for being the One Who helps us realize them. Father, this dream looks big and beyond my grasp. But, you already know it’s in my heart and on my mind, and I cannot shake it. I hold this dream out to you, Lord, and I leave it in your hands. If it’s to be realized, I ask you to guide me in it, to equip me, to teach me, and to assist me in every way. Help me to trust You and step out in faith. For your glory, not for mine. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
I can’t wait to see what you and God do together!
Shared by: Julie Lefebure
Joanne Viola (@JViola79) says
July 24, 2017 at 6:26 amJulie, so grateful for this invitation! We do not need to pursue our dreams alone. He places the dreams in our hearts and will equip us with all we need to realize them as we depend on Him. This so encouraged my heart today.
Julie Lefebure says
July 24, 2017 at 9:55 amJoanne, I’m so thankful we don’t have to do any of this alone! I’m encouraged by your words today, my friend. May God bless you as you continue to partner with Him in realizing your God-sized dreams!
Michele Morin says
July 24, 2017 at 6:28 amSo much of what you said about your own tendencies show up in this heart as well — misplaced confidence, independence as a foundaltional tenet. But the girl who used to make lists and long term plans of future goals is feeling swallowed up in the needs and pressures of now. Thanks for words that lift my eyes to the power of God and the impact He can make in this dreaming life.
Julie Lefebure says
July 24, 2017 at 9:58 amMichele, what a gift we have in each other and in God’s leading and equipping as we journey through life. Your words are a blessing to me today! May we both keep our eyes in Him!
Becky Hastings says
July 24, 2017 at 8:11 amGrateful for this encouragement today. It’s so easy to think we can do it all on our own, but the best of our dreams will only come to pass with the Lord!
Julie Lefebure says
July 24, 2017 at 10:00 amAmen, Becky! May I always remember your words of truth here! Thanks for sharing them. Bless you!
Alice Walters says
July 24, 2017 at 9:05 amA gift of Holley’s “God-Sized Dream” literally changed my life. For the first time I realized that the inklings in my spirit were God whispering that He had a gift, a dream created just for me. For me, the struggle isn’t as much as inviting God into my dream, He was there before I was. The struggle is stewardship. Do I understand the dream correctly? Am I following His will to achieve it? Perhaps there’s more independence in me than I realized. Thank you for sharing caution and encouragement.
Julie Lefebure says
July 24, 2017 at 10:05 amI believe we each may have a different struggle in realizing our God-sized dreams, and sharing them might just be the encouragement one of us needs. You’ve encouraged me here today. May God continue to guide you and bless you on your journey!
Molly says
July 24, 2017 at 10:10 amI really enjoyed this one Julie, thanks for the wonderful encouragement.
Julie Lefebure says
July 31, 2017 at 5:06 pmYou’re welcome, Molly. Thank you for stopping in and sharing. God bless you!
generalkat says
July 24, 2017 at 9:26 pmI like the verse from Proverbs 16:9 “A man’s heart plans his ways, But God directs his steps.” The words are from the KJV and I like the sounds of it better. Without the heavenly guidance from our Father, there is only chance and possible blunders. The Lord cares for His children and will provide all the needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19) We only need to focus on the Lord to do His will and rest in the knowledge that He will cause all things to work together for good for those who love Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:28). It’s so simple, yet we try to persuade God to favor our plans and forget He knows the bigger picture of our lives. Thanks for some good thoughts to keep me grounded and secure in what the Lord has planned for my God-sized dream.
Julie Lefebure says
July 31, 2017 at 5:09 pmThank you for pointing us to some wonderful truths here. Focusing on God’s will takes the pressure off of us, doesn’t it? I’m thankful He sees the big picture and all I need to do is follow His leading. Easier said than done, some days. Cheering you on as you keep your eyes on Jesus! Bless you.
mareedee2016 says
July 26, 2017 at 6:55 pmYes, Julie you are so right we need to partner with God. I was so glad to hear I may not be the only one that wonders if my dream will come to fruition in this lifetime. Thank you for you encouraging words.
Julie Lefebure says
July 31, 2017 at 5:12 pmYou aren’t alone wondering if your dream will happen, that’s for sure. We can continue to encourage one another to put one foot in front of the other, following God’s lead. May God equip you every step of the way! Cheering you on today!