Dreams and Aspirations Too Far Gone?

Have you ever started toward a goal and then realized that it wasn’t going to work out like you planned? Maybe you began with excitement but then found out your expectations would be unmet. Your aspiration would take longer and be harder to reach than you thought. Many of us have gotten lost on the way to our destinations and wonder if we’ll ever reach them. Does it seem like some of your dreams are too far gone to be realized?

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6 (NASB)

Oh my goodness, how I love this verse and it’s context. Lately Philippians has been growing to be one of my favorite books of the Bible. This verse is definitely talking about God completing the deep work of the gospel. Though our sanctification may seem like it will never be complete, we find a promise that it will be.

There’s another layer of application that is too good to pass up as well.

Where do you place your confidence when God’s calling and your dreams don’t appear to be taking shape?

In my last entry, God’s Will is To Do Something New, I told you how God spoke to me at the beginning of this year. He said, “Write your book. I am going to make you a writer.” Some of you are thinking it’s been two months since He said that, what has happened since then? Well, I’m glad you asked!

In the moment God spoke that, I had a mixture of excitement and fear. I had no idea what to write or how to begin. I started researching some tips to get me started. Since then, I’ve had several ideas and started working on a few of them. While I hope to return to each of them eventually, I’ve landed on one to focus on for my first book. It’s evolved and is really starting to take shape now. I’ve written several chapters and have a good idea of what I want it to be when it’s finished.

There have been times I’ve had trouble feeling inspired, and making myself do the work consistently has not always been easy. But most of the opposition that I’ve faced has been feelings of self-doubt:

• Will I be able to finish the book?
• If I do, will my book be any good?
• Why would anyone want to read what I have to say?
• Is my book really going to help people?

I’ve done my best to press on and continue towards the goal. Those questions can either drive me to giving up or doing my best to answer them positively.

When we are faced with fear and doubt, we must have a good grasp of who God is and who we are in relation to Him.

Who is it that began this good work in me? It was God. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, and… our good Father. If He is for us, who can stand against us? That doesn’t mean we won’t have opposition, it just means that the opposition is nothing in comparison to our God.

What plans has God shown you that He wants to do with you? You can and should be confident in His ability to fulfill those plans.

As I’ve talked with friends and family about what God is doing with me, I’ve had some interesting conversations. Several people have said they felt called to write a book at one time but have not done it for various reasons. I’ve encouraged each of them, it’s not too late and they can do it. Some have started working toward those dreams again!

What dream or aspiration has God given you? Where are you in the process? I encourage you to continue to press on towards the goal. If you’ve stopped, pick up where you left off. I don’t think your dreams are too far gone. Please tell us about where you’re at in the comments area below.