Dare to Dream

Many years ago, I sat in a managers’ meeting in the health club where I worked, while one of our VPs led us through a training exercise. He said, “Picture yourself at the end of your life. You’re ninety-five years old, on your deathbed, and you’re looking back over your life journey. Take out your notepad and write this statement at the top of the page: ‘I wish I would have.’ Then finish that sentence as many times as you need to.” He stepped away from the podium and gave us time to think about our answers. I didn’t need to think about it. I put my pen to the paper and wrote, “I wish I would have written a book.”

I’d been through a lot. God had been so faithful. Yet I felt myself drifting. I was no longer in crisis. But neither was I taking steps toward the God-given longing of my heart. When there’s no vision in our hearts, there’s no purpose in our steps. And when there’s no purpose in our steps, we drift to lesser things that drain the vitality right out of life.

I went home to my husband, Kev, with a new fire: and we made plans to make this dream happen.

Regarding God’s promises, He invites us to engage with Him consistently. Stress doesn’t exhaust us; stress without purpose does. It’s not waiting for the breakthrough that drains us; it’s passively waiting without activating our faith that robs us. We’re wired for tenacious, hope-filled, purposeful faith. Allow me to put it this way: What are you believing God for?

Anyone who’s adventured to step out in faith knows this: when we finally dare to dream, opposition arises. But we can put up with a lot when we know we’re on God’s best path for us.

Not every desire in our heart is God-given. But many are. If you walk intimately with God and treasure His Word in your heart, He’ll shape your desires to match His desires for you. He’ll prepare you to steward the dream. He’ll confirm His will and way to you repeatedly. When You delight in Him first and foremost, He will always establish you in His perfect will and timing.

Father, help me pray for and believe for things that only You can accomplish. I’m Your vessel. Flow freely and powerfully through me. Amen.