We all have things we want to achieve – we may think of them as dreams or aspirations or at this time of year we might even be thinking of lessor goals such as New Year’s resolutions. But where to begin?
Step one is tell God. Some of the desires of our hearts are placed there by God. Not all, but some. And He is perfectly able to provide guidance, finances, or whatever else is needed as we take further steps.
Step two is to do the next thing. Your dream or goal won’t normally achieve itself – don’t be passive; you need to move. Maybe we need to start by exploring and becoming more informed about this dream – instead of a hazy dream, what does the actual thing really look like? What does it involve? Find out.
Step three starts with the information you have collected. Prayer should be a part of all the steps, be in dialogue with God – are there people that will play a part (big or small) in your walking toward this dream? Do you need special equipment? Special classes?
Don’t give up if obstacles or road blocks come your way or even your own failures. Move the road blocks (if you can’t, ask God to help), go around the obstacles, learn from your failures.
Over the years I have seen various people accomplish their dreams:
One young man wanted very badly to be a doctor, but his application to medical school was turned down more than once. He kept applying, eventually was accepted, and had a long and satisfying career as a doctor.
A young woman who was turned down for a pre-professional ballet programme for which she had applied. Someone close to her urged her to find out why she hadn’t been accepted. She pursued this information, was told her one weak area, worked on it for a year, re-applied, and was accepted.
One of my favourite stories is of a five year old who longed to play harp. Her mother wisely told her little girl to “Tell God.” This little girl did so. And although hers was a one income family who did not have the means for expensive harp lessons or buying a harp (or even renting one), God saw fit to send people this little girl’s way over the years, who gave her free harp lessons and loaned her harps. One of these teachers was a professional of such caliber that she played around the world, including performing for royalty. The little girl grew to be an accomplished harpist.
I hope these true stories (I have plenty more) encourage you. They’ve been good reminders to me. I think I am going to consider pursuing a dream, but first, I am going to tell it to God.
