Long ago, the essayist and philosopher Henry David Thoreau wrote, “if one advances confidently in the direction of one’s dreams, and endeavours to live the life which one has imagined, one will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” For a Christian, this rings with the truth that God has a plan for our lives – a unique calling and purpose deposited within each of us. To walk confidently in that direction is to walk in faith, trusting that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6).
To pursue any dream – especially a God-inspired one – we must cultivate a mentality of faith, positivity, and hard work. This isn’t just a secular principle; it’s a reflection of our calling to be diligent and excellent in all we do (Colossians 3:23). I encourage you to be a motivated, determined, and undaunted person who will never give up on the vision God has placed in your heart.
Your dream is yours, a special assignment from the Lord, and we can’t always expect the world to celebrate it with us. You will face doubt and opposition. People may question your skills, abilities, and talents, or even laugh at your courage to pursue something big. They might judge your future based on your past or present circumstances. But remember, as a child of God, their judgment is not your reality. Your past, present, and even your failures are simply part of the story God is writing – a learning process that helps you grow wiser, more resilient, and more reliant on Him (Romans 8:28).
Do not let others dictate your destiny. Instead of seeing your life as an empty book you must fill, see it as a manuscript written by your Creator, and you are the steward, faithfully living out the chapters. What does God want your story to be? You have the power, through the Holy Spirit, to take action and write a legacy of faith.
Diligence and Discovery: Stewarding Your Potential
Let’s briefly look at the story of Michael Faraday, a bookbinder who, despite limited formal education, had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He worked diligently, tested his limits, and became one of history’s greatest inventors. This is a powerful reminder that to achieve any dream, one must practice daily spiritual and practical discipline. This includes making your mind “sweat” by working hard, consistently measuring your progress, and appreciating yourself as a uniquely gifted creation of God (Psalm 139:14). The more you strive toward that God-given dream, the closer you get to seeing His faithfulness manifest.
I am writing this today because I believe in the richness God has deposited inside you – a “deposit” that is crying out for expression! Find out what that calling is and begin taking faithful steps to see it come true.
For me, thinking about the cemetery is a somber reminder of untapped potential. It holds the ideas never implemented, the songs never sung, the lives never saved, and the great works of faith that were never undertaken. We have a limited time to be salt and light in this world (Matthew 5:13−16).
A Call to Action and Sacrifice
Today, I ask YOU:
- Do you have ministry or business ideas that you have not put into action?
- Have you dreamt about making a difference in your community or church but held back?
- Do you have personal or professional dreams of service that you have given up on?
Don’t stop dreaming! If that God-given dream is to be accomplished, we must write it down and make it plain (Habakkuk 2:2). Think about those precious dreams again and dare to take the action of faith needed to achieve them!
But remember, every dream comes with a price – it requires defining your parameters, commitment to Christ-like excellence in purpose and output, and a willingness to sacrifice. As we are told in Luke 14:28, we must count the cost.
Are you ready to commit your work to the Lord and allow Him to establish your plans (Proverbs 16:3)? Join me as we trust God to fulfill the dreams He has placed in our hearts.
