In the process of achieving your dreams, some things will happen. Bad things for sure. Things that will push you to want to leave and give up on achieving your dreams. But God doesn’t want you to give up on your dreams. He doesn’t want you to quit.
At a point during the learning period, the lessons will be hard, and you will want to give up, but don’t. That is the time you should keep moving and follow through with the instructions. You can rest for a while, but never give up. Sometimes, at the point of giving up is where your best lessons are. Don’t quit.
Look at the story of Jacob and his uncle, Laban, in the bible. Laban had cheated Jacob. Instead of giving Jacob, Rachel as his wife, Laban gave him Leah. After serving for seven years, he was offered the wrong bride. What did Jacob do? He didn’t complain, neither did he give up. He didn’t quit. He served for another seven years just so that he could have the woman he loved, Rachel.
People will do and/or say things that could discourage you, but don’t look at them or what they are saying or doing. Look at Jesus, the one who completes you. He gives you the strength to do all things. He strengthens you not to quit.
“I am worn out, O Lord; have pity on me! Give me strength; I am completely exhausted.” Psalms 6:2 GNB.
“I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.” Phil. 4:13 GNB.
Prayer:
Lord, give me the strength to continue on my journey towards fulfilling my destiny. Give me the strength not to quit. Help me to focus on you and not on anything or anyone. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.
Action point:
Find bible verses like the ones above and use them anytime you encounter a discouraging person, situation, or remark. That is your shield.
Okay, you know what you want to become. You have discovered your passion for taking care of animals or painting or something else. It’s time to move on. It’s time to learn.
Start taking the steps that will move you closer to achieving your dreams. This is about getting education. It could be formal or informal.
If your dream is to be a painter, you need to take classes in art. These classes will expose you to the world of art – artists, art principles, art styles, etc. Knowing these things will help you become a better artist. You need to learn. Applying all you have learnt coupled with your talent, will further make you create great artworks and your fame spread far and wide over the world.
Just like Samuel in the bible, he had to learn under the prophet Eli before he could become a prophet too. When Samuel first heard the voice of God, he thought it was Eli calling him. It was only after going to Eli that he was told what to do and who was calling Him
It’s going to take time for you to become excellent at what you want to become. Learning doesn’t take place in a day, but over a particular period of time.
Learning is important as you dream big. You must learn.
May the Lord expose you to the best learning experiences in your quest towards greatness, Amen.
Prayer:
Lord, help me as I learn to become what I desire to be. Give me the best teachers, schools, and experiences. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Yesterday we looked at first discovering what your dream is concerning your future exploits. Today let’s look at how you can dream big.
First, pray to God for help because He knows all about your life, even before you were born…
“…you saw me before I was born. The days allotted to me had all been recorded in your book, before any one of them began”. Psalms 139: 16 GNB.
From the above verse you can see that God knows all about you. He knows what you will become, how you will do so, how far you will do so and more. That’s why He is the person you should speak to concerning this issue (your dream).
Also, as you think of what you want to become, how big do you see yourself walking in that role? If you have a gift for art, how far do you see your artworks going? Where will you display them? Will you have your own gallery or not? Will you create your own line of drawing or painting brushes or palettes? Learn to dream big!
Dreaming big is not being proud, it’s being truthful to yourself and what God has shown you about what your future holds.
“The Lord asked me, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” I answered, “A branch of an almond tree.” “You are right,” the Lord said, “and I am watching to see that my words come true.” Jer. 1:11-12 GNB.
Just like the Lord spoke to Jeremiah, He is also speaking to you. He has given you images, pictures, visions of what He has deposited in you and wants you to do. Be like the prophet Jeremiah and see what God is showing you.
Dream big! Dream the big dreams God has put in you. Don’t think otherwise. He is watching to see if you are following the dreams He has put in you.
May the eyes of your understanding be opened and may you see with the eyes of the Lord, Amen.
Prayer:
God, help me to see what You are showing me. Give me the grace to dream big. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Action plan:
Begin to write down the ideas you have about your dreams. Writing them helps you to keep in touch with your dreams.
What’s a dream? Not what happens when you close your eyes and sleep at night. This type of dream is what you hope to become when you grow older. It’s what you imagine yourself to be. Maybe an athlete, drummer, doctor, teacher, software programmer, or developer. It’s the professional you want to become.
The first step towards dreaming big about what you hope to become in the future is discovering what you want to become in the future. No one becomes anything without first seeing themselves becoming that. It’s what you choose to become – what you have a passion for that you will become. That’s your dream.
How do you discover this passion? Look around you, what do you like to do? If you like to draw and paint, that could mean a future in art is your profession. Do you like taking care of animals – it could mean you have a calling as a veterinary doctor. Think about what you like to do the most. That is how you will discover your passion. That could then become your dream.
You can also ask the people around you like your parents, friends or siblings. Or even speak to a guidance counselor about this. They can point you in the direction to go.
The best way is still to pray about it. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you choose well. Ask Him to help you dream.
“You are my God; teach me to do your will. Be good to me, and guide me on a safe path.” Psalms 143: 10 GNB.
Through His guidance, you will discover what He wants you to do.
May the Holy Spirit guide you towards your purpose, In Jesus, name. Amen.
Prayer:
Sweet Holy Spirit, show me what you want me to do. Help me to have the right dream. Show me how to fulfill my purpose through my passion. Amen.
John didn’t say a word. He sat still and quiet while his friend cried. Tunji, his best friend at school, just lost his dad and they were in his friend’s room right now. Tunji’s pillows were wet with his tears, the bed covers rough and halfway down on the floor. His cries echoed throughout the room as he laid on the bed. Who could comfort Tunji?
There was nothing John could do other than to sit and wait for his friend to talk when he felt like it. Though deeply saddened to see his friend like this, there was nothing he could do, but to pray that God would comfort Tunji for the loss. And of course, stay by his side.
When a friend is in a state like Tunji is, the only thing to do is pray for them like John is and ensuring that you are by them. Don’t try to talk unless they ask you to or do so themselves. Never expect them to hurry out of their grief or tell them to. They need the time to grieve and mourn their loss as much as they have to. All they need is your silence and presence. They need your support. Be there to comfort them.
That is what is it means to hold the hand of a friend. You let them know that you are available for them. Your care doesnt have to be in words but in action most times.
Only God will comfort them for their loss as the bible tells us.
May the Lord make you a good friend at all times. Amen.
Prayer: Lord, make me a good friend that will be there for my friends when they are in their lowest moments. Help me to hold their hands, in comfort, all through. In Jesus name, amen.
Action plan: When next you see a friend going through a tough time, pray for and support them; comfort them.
