What Keeps Us From Reaching our Dreams

Beba SchlottmannOther Writings Leave a Comment

I am going to share a conversation I had with my husband, and it may be the most honest blog you will get from me.  Hopefully some of what I faced relates to you too.

Our conversation dealt with dreams, goals, and the journey to see then come to fruition. I voiced my frustration and discontent at having to wait to accomplish dreams and projects I have held for years. There were tears and angry words, followed by hugs and good sound advice from my wise husband. His wisdom helped me to understand what was going on inside my head.

The most helpful statement my husband made was simple, “What is stopping you from doing the things you’ve always wanted to do? When you get down to it, the problem is you!”  I did not like hearing what he said.  It definitely hit a nerve! Yet, I knew he was right.

My family is supportive and encourages my plans, ministry events, and other activities. My dear husband continually affirms all my endeavors. So why do I stop myself from pursuing certain things I long to do?

Have you ever been there? That place where you keep coming up with a million excuses as to why you can’t or shouldn’t?

I have been there more times than I care to share and it always leaves me feeling hollow inside. Almost as if I am slowly fading.  I find it hard to pray when I host pity parties to act the victim in my own soap opera.  I whine and argue with God about the reasons He is not allowing me to move forward. Silly, isn’t it? Yet it is the truth.

The Bible says, “in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6). It also says, “delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

Why do I worry so much?  Why do I spend sleepless nights trying to figure out life? God has done that already for me. I could spend an eternity trying to come up with reasons why things should go my way. In the end, I have to place it in the hands of God and let go of my anxiety.

So then, what is keeping me from pursuing my dreams?  Fear of failure!

I think most of us stop for fear of failure.  It all translates to me. I am the one who puts a stop to my dreams. I am the one who allows things to get in the way.  Be it fear, embarrassment, or wrong influence, it all comes down to you and me.  We stop ourselves with excuses, allowing others to influence us, and lack of trust in God.

I want to encourage you to today, as I am being encouraged, to think and see beyond to the great plans God has for us. He is able to open doors and arrange situations for His miraculous hand to move in our lives.  We do not need to be afraid of pursuing our dreams, plans, and projects.  If God is at the center of our plans, He will move mountains and oceans to see it through.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4) I want to change it a little and say, “Trust in the Lord always and again I say trust!”

If we cannot trust that our Heavenly Father has the best of intentions for our future, then we will have a colorless future.  As you and I trust Him, we will see where He takes us and how far we go.

We are highly favored and too important to God. He will not let you or I fall. I leave you with these words of comfort spoken to the virgin, Mary,

“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28)

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