Do you have a dream? Something deep in your heart you know God put there?
My guess is that you do. But when is the right time to follow it?
There is an easy answer. The best time to take the first step toward your God-given dream is the moment God gives it to you.
It doesn’t make sense, I know. There is A LOT going on. You lead a busy life. Don’t you think God knows that? He knows more about your life than anyone . . . yet He put the dream on your heart.
I had a dream to be a writer. I attended my first writers conference when I was twenty-two years old and pregnant with my third baby. My dream of sharing the good news of God through publications wasn’t completely fulfilled when I was twenty-two, but I took the first step—the step God was asking me to take.
I had a dream to reach abortion-vulnerable women in our community. I gathered with a small group of others who desired the same thing even through I was a writing, homeschooling mom of three who was also caring for my dying grandfather. The pregnancy center didn’t launch for another year. But the meetings got us started in the right direction. When it launched I was still homeschooling and writing and it didn’t seem as if I had time to commit to anything else, but God brought dozens of new volunteers around to help. He just needed me to take the first step to get the ball rolling.
More recently I had a dream to start a Teen MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group to reach young women in inner-city Little Rock. We had just moved 2,000 miles to a new city. I was mourning leaving behind my two oldest (adult) children, my church, and my friends. We’d also just adopted a new baby girl. The stirring wouldn’t leave, and I mentioned it to my new pastor. He encouraged me to start and budgeted the money to start the program.
When I followed my God-given dream to be a writer, I modeled for my children what it was like to heed God’s voice. And God met me there.
When I followed my God-given dream to start a pregnancy center, I modeled for my children how to care for the hurting and needy in our community. And God met me there.
When I followed my God-given dream to start a Teen MOPS group, I modeled for my children how to pour oneself out—even in the midst of personal struggle. And God met me there.
When I didn’t have the time, or strength, or wisdom to achieve any of these things, God showed up. He filled in for all my indecencies. And He brought people around to help and support me. He brought fellow writers for prayer support and encouragement. He brought additional volunteers to take on much of the load. He brought mentor moms who also loved on the teen moms in our community. Most of all He gave me Himself. His strength. His peace. His wisdom. He gave me Himself. He showed me what I can do in Him and through Him.
When is the right time to follow that God-given dream? The right time to start is the moment God puts it on your heart. And as you step out, don’t look at your weaknesses. Instead, look to His strength. And you will never, ever be disappointed.
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I’m having a hard time even FINDING my God-given dream. Any help with this?!?!
Chelsea, now I want to write a blog about this. One good question is, “If I could do anything and know it would succeed, what would it be?” God usually put that desire in you for some reason–usually to impact others and glorify Him.
Tricia-DO IT! 🙂 I would love to read that blog post!!
That’s great advice and I love that question you ask: “If I could do anything and know it would succeed, what would it be? ”The biggest problem with that is that there are SO SO SO many things I would like to do if I knew I couldn’t fail! I have a really hard time zoning in on something!!
I’ve been pursuing my dream for a long time, and to tell you the truth; have grown quite weary with the seeming delays. I have recently been doubting whether my dream is of God, or just one of my own fanciful ideas. Your post has helped rekindle the passion for my hopes to help those who help the homeless in America. Thank-you for a dose of fresh inspiration.
Formerly homeless, “old church” gal with a new perspective on the way we all “do” church. All God’s best to you!
You’re welcome, Connie! For many years I had delay after delay too. Looking back I see that God was preparing me for an even greater work than I could have imagined. He has good plans for you, too!
I can’t seem to find my God given dream,unless it is being a wife and mother.Sometimes I feel like I was a mistake,which I know God doesn’t make mistakes,but I allow people to make me feel this way.I guess that is why it is so hard for me to think that God has a given dream for me.
Jackie, being a wife and mother is an AWESOME dream. God can use you right where you are!! Check out the book Follow My Lead by Holly A. Melton
Oh Goody Gracious (as my two old says)! I needed to read this post today! God is really giving me answers! He tells me what to do and I am just telling him all the “reasons I can’t”. I have had a heavy heart to be a stay at home mom and even tell my husband that God is telling me to do so. I’m just always too busy and blind to see it! I keep telling Him we can’t do it financially and He keeps pushing me! He knows. I am so thankful that I read this today. Even if I am not a stay at home mom tomorrow, I am going to start NOW to make it possible, even if it takes months or a year!
Blessings!
Dakota, Yes God knows! And when we follow Him amazing things happen!
Tricia, thanks for this inspiring post. I believe I’ve been following my God-given dream, but I have to admit there have been many days where I wonder if I misunderstood His nudge. It’s those days when sitting down to write is hard because I feel overwhelmed or burned out. Yet God gives me words anyway. Balancing all things motherhood and marriage with my passion for writing and my desire to live a full life often leaves me questioning what exactly it is I’m supposed to be doing. So I find I spend a lot of time on my knees in prayer, asking God to light the path for my day because I know I can’t do any of it without Him.
On your knees before God is the PERFECT place to be!
Ah, so timely! As I celebrated a friend’s success in a shared dream, today I faced the way my own choices stunt my own success. It was a hard day. Do you have any posts about how you balanced homeschooling with writing? We’ve moved twice in the past 12 months (most recently a couple months ago), I homeschool my 4 kids (ages 4-11), and I’m feeling overwhelmed with just those things. I don’t know how to add in my God-given dream without compromising my God-given responsibilities to my family. Help?
Laura, check out my ebook on Amazon: Balanced. It’s only $2.99! http://www.amazon.com/Balanced-Finding-Center-Work-at-Home-Mom-ebook/dp/B00HHDF788