How often do we have dreams that appear so crazy, they seem impossible? When I dream, my imagination tends to sometimes run wild as I think of crazy things that I could turn into reality. Those dreams never seem to last very long. In fact, they’re sometimes gone before the sun goes down. But there was one dream of mine that I never gave up on—
Become a published author.
In today’s world, it seems easy to “live out your dream” whether it is becoming a famous movie star, park ranger, or flying to the moon. With technology and school, you can do almost anything you set out to do.
But is it according to God’s will?
Sure, you can do pretty much anything you set your mind to. It may not seem so difficult, but in order to truly succeed and find contentment in what you are doing, you must be in accordance with God’s will.
As I went through my journey to find God’s will for my life, here are some of the steps God showed me along the way.
1. Humble yourself and acknowledge that God knows best
This may be the hardest of all three! In today’s world, we want to do everything our way and in our timing. Fortunately for us, that’s not the way God does it! He knows us inside and out, better than we do. Why shouldn’t we want to give him the reins and let him control the basis for our lives?
Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” God’s plans are only designed to provide the very best for us, and we should be ready to accept that with open arms.
2. Commit your dreams to God
So we’ve humbled ourselves and gave God the reins, now we need to figure out why? Why do we have this dream? Is it ultimately to bring glory and praise to God? Are others going to seek him because of it?
Proverbs 16:3, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” When we commit to doing whatever we are doing to the Lord, he will see it through. God wants us to give him the praise, and when we do so, he will make it come to pass.
3. Have Faith & Work Hard
It’s given to God—this dream that you want so badly, so now what? Now you have faith that God really does know what he is doing and he will make the plans go according to his will and your benefit.
But that doesn’t mean you sit down and do nothing. No! Think of a young queen in the Bible. Esther was a woman after God’s own heart. Because she was a Jew, she and all her people were going to be killed. Esther prayed and prayed to God. She knew that whatever God was going to let happen was going to be in accordance to his will. So after that, did Esther just sit back and let God do everything?
“Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16). Esther was willing to work hard and do what she must do in order to save her people. Her dream was to be free and she was able to see it through.
What are some of your lifelong dreams? As you go about chasing or pursuing them, I pray that you will be able to achieve whatever it is and find true happiness following God’s will for your life.
About Rachel:
Rachel is a homeschool graduate who has always dreamed of writing Christian fiction for girls to read that will help them grow in their faith. At the age of 17, her dream finally came true, and she now looks forward to see what God has planned next in her writing journey. You can follow her on her website at www.rachelrittenhouse.com.
This is very helpful! I often hold back my dreams and drown them out before turning them over to God. I will dream…
Very good Rachel. When God places the desire in your heart it makes all the difference! God’s blessings to you as you follow His will for your life.
Lovely post! I agree I have been doing the same thing God knows best, and to take EVERYTHING to God in prayer, have faith and work hard. All very true. Thank you 🙂