Do you remember your dreams and ambitions as a young child? When people (usually teachers and adults) would ask you the proverbial question, “What do you want to be when you grow up,” how did you respond?
There’s something to be said about the childlike imagination and the confidence to reach for things that seem so far away. And if you’re not sure what that looks like, just watch a toddler climb to get to those cookies.
I’ve heard it said that dreams are just wishes unless they’re put into action. Some of our dreams grow feet and they make progress. While some of our dreams remain in the recesses of our imagination or lifeless on the pages of journals and diaries.
As adults, I think that we have to give ourselves permission to dream (again). To rekindle those silenced passions and revive those potential projects that could have unbelievable impact on the world we live in.
“What is holding us back from pursuing our dreams?”
If you’re anything like me, Sister, it’s fear. Flat out being afraid to fail and fall. Afraid that the world will be audience to our faux pax and facepalm moments. Fearful that we will endeavor into the unknown only to discover we’ve not got what it takes to succeed.
God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 NCV
I tend to think that when we have surrendered ourselves (not just a portion but the whole self) to the lordship of Jesus Christ, we embark on a journey of adventure in learning Who He is and this leads us to a better understanding of who we are. And our personal adventure is just that — sometimes a trek through unfamiliar territory on uncharted soil to encounter unsuspecting people who just might end up joining you.
The point is to not fear going the distance because you are not alone — in your thoughts or in your actions.
When GOD gives you a dream (and yes, Friend, He does do that), He will empower you to fulfill it. Just be aware that while it’s your dream to behold, the fulfillment of it — and the end result — may not look like anything your limited imagination can muster.
Let me share a well-known key: be flexible. Yes, like Gumby (oh, boy, did I just date myself?!).
Allowing yourself to flex and bend with GOD’s leading, will make your journey (and mine) less … sticky. You know like when you’re driving along and the tires of your car hit a muddy zone. You can’t move. You may think (for a split second) that laying your foot to the pedal until it hits the floor that by some magical means you’ll emerge out of that muddy pit. But actually you will just spin those tires endlessly while remaining stuck.
“Don’t stay stuck.“
If you go the wrong way—to the right or to the left—you will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the right way. You should go this way.” Isaiah 30:21 NCV
Sure we will make mistakes along the way, but our Redeemer King will be sure to make good on those mistakes. But remember this: He trusts us with our dreams. So, at the very least, we would do ourselves a huge favor by going according to the Master’s Plan and giving Him the praise for it. Warning: Taking credit for work that we didn’t (or never could have done) do will result in disaster.
Keep going even in the aftermath of mistakes, missteps, blunders … keep walking, keep moving. Avoid the temptation to throw in the towel because things don’t make sense or look the way you would have scripted or expected them. (And you know I’m preaching to myself right now.) What matters is that you persist to the end because GOD called you to it.
“How do I know it’s from GOD?”
If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 Amplified
Get ready for this: A.S.K.
GOD knows we don’t always hear Him well — the noise in the background is very distracting. But when we sincerely ask, He is always ready and willing to give us what we need. Simply ask Him.
Over the years and after more mistakes than I care to mention, this woman is here to tell you that when you study the Bible more, you will find yourself praying more. When you find yourself praying more, you will come to recognize GOD’s Voice better. The words from your Bible will begin to come off the pages and enter your heart — exploding with joy because you have experienced the presence of GOD in extraordinary ways. Many of those will be so personal, that He will tell you to keep them between you and He. Be sure to do that.
20
My son, pay attention to my words and be willing to learn;
Open your ears to my sayings.
21
Do not let them escape from your sight;
Keep them in the center of your heart.
22
For they are life to those who find them,
And healing and health to all their flesh. Proverbs 4:20-22 Amplified
If you find yourself reflecting back to a dream that you’ve been holding onto in the back of your mind, perhaps this is the moment for you to bring it to the forefront and really begin to pray about putting some feet to it.
Worse case scenario, GOD will reveal a different dream (a better one) embedded within the dream you thought was the one to work out. The same gifts and talents that He gave you will still be put to use to work it out.
So, turn that dream loose and raise it up for GOD to empower you to get moving on it. And if you totally surrender it to Him, I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
I can hardly wait to hear all about it.
I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~
LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary
Titus Two 