Six Methods for Staying Strong while Pursuing Your God-Given Dream

This life is far too short to spend it watching as the years pass, rather than using every precious day to manifest the dreams God’s placed in your heart.

“Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away”- James 4:14

In Stasi Eldredge’s “Becoming Myself” she reminds us that God created each of us with a unique gift to give this world:

“But many of your dreams and desires are yours alone. They have been given to you by God for you to awaken to, embrace, nurture, pursue, and then offer” (103).

It’s when we muster up the courage to pursue these dreams that our souls ignite- transforming our lives from meaningLESS to purposeFULL! What is that dream God’s written on your heart that no matter what excuses you make for yourself, you just keep coming back to it?

• Whether it ‘s developing that start-up..
• Starting a finance blog for young adults..
• Getting your own place..
• Doing a semester abroad..

I wish I could tell you that manifesting your dream is as smooth a ride as a first class flight with zero turbulence, but it’s not. Anyone that’s ever been bold enough to follow their dreams can tell you it feels more like a marathon. At first, you start off with momentum, excitement, and enthusiasm- A “Lets do this!” type of mindset. Slowly, as the crowds cheering you on begin to dissipate, and the beauty of the course starts to lose its novelty – you find yourself entertaining thoughts like:

• “Maybe I don’t really need to pursue this dream. Besides, the world is functioning fine without it.”
• “I have so much going on at work and outside of work right now- I just can’t add this to my plate. Let me hold this off until things settle down.”

Before you know it, the discontent you’re feeling about what does or doesn’t lie ahead might make you sneak off course prematurely.

If you can relate to this scenario, I have three words for you: 1) DON’T 2) GIVE 3) UP!

Theodore Roosevelt quotes, “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, and difficulty.”

It is in these critical moments of uncertainty and discomfort that we have the choice to either A) Linger off the path before reaping the reward OR B) Renew our mind, body, and spirit with the truth written in God’s word and keep pressing on with blind faith (Hebrews 12:1-3 MSG)

“Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” Hebrews 12:1-3 MSG

If you are like me and currently in the middle of your own “marathon,” below are 6 points for motivational fuel:

1. Prayer

God, please re-instill the vision that you gave me when I started this journey. Equip me with the wisdom, confidence, and assurance that I am following your Will for me. Please help me to use where I am and what I have today to get me closer to fulfilling the work you have placed me here to do. Help me not to focus on the roadblocks, the uncertainty, the unsure reward, or any negative feelings. Instead, help me to re-focus on the blessings, the joy you’ve given me with this day, and the hope that I have in seeing your Will for me fulfilled. Lord, I love you and I will rejoice in you all my days.

2. Get Real with Yourself

Sometimes I catch myself scrolling through my Instagram looking at other people thinking, “Wow, they’re amazing!” And then I think, well they are no different than me, they are just putting in the work. Be honest — are you putting in the necessary hours? After all, faith without works is dead!

3. Keep your Temple Healthy

The best gift you can give yourself and this world is a healthy YOU! Your body is like an automobile and cannot run well if you are feeding it garbage or depriving it of necessary nutrients. Eat your fruits, get your exercise, rest well, and drink water!! You’re an example of Christ — not just in the words you speak, but also in the way you move, what you wear, how you treat yourself, etc (1 Corinthians 6: 19-20).

4. Use your Resources

Do what you can with what you have in the moment. Pray for God to direct you and fill you with peace and joy in this sowing season.

5. Remember His Promise

If God set it on your heart, rest assured He is going to see you through it. So you don’t need to second guess yourself or think five times before taking the next step — just PULL THE TRIGGER and DO IT!!! You don’t need to know all the answers because God already does and He is leading you. Remember it’s not by your own strength, favor, power, or wisdom — but HIS.

6. Establish your Heart

Instead of focusing so much of your time and energy on strategy, use the majority of your time to draw near to God so that you are able to discern His voice above all the noise as He guides you to the finish line. He will counsel you and guide you — you need only to draw near and not get so caught up in the timelines, vision boards, and checklists.

Podcasts:

1. Christine Caine “Don’t Drop It” via Elevation Church: https://youtu.be/CH-kuotsD24
2. Transformation Church (2019 Vision Part 1): https://youtu.be/TRQxZmfvurI