Former procrastinators, have you put off doing something you really want to do? Is there a dream you don’t feel you can pursue so you just don’t give yourself permission to do it? You won’t go there.
If a dream is a cherished aspiration (English Oxford Dictionary) then it’s important to us, a longing in our hearts. It may in fact have been planted within us by God – which means it’s important to Him too.
Sometimes we don’t think our circumstances allow the pursuit of that dream. (Work is demanding. Children take time. There’s not enough money.) Sometimes we don’t feel we have God’s permission. (How can I do that when I need to be a better parent?) Maybe we fall back on “I can’t” because we’ve said it to ourselves for so long.
Certainly, sometimes we must set aside what we’d like to do in order to give attention to a higher priority in that season of life. Sometimes God does direct us to be entirely hands off.
But sometimes we assume a waiting position when God is waiting for us to move. He’s already supplied what we need now but since it isn’t what we envision, we don’t recognize our opportunity. We view others or circumstances as responsible, but we actually limit ourselves.
We should say, “I choose to give my attention only to family (or work or whatever) at this time.” That helps us accept responsibility for our choices, and opens the door to fresh thinking. No more poor me.
Ask God very deliberately about your aspiration. His direction may be “less” or “more” than you had in mind. Maybe the Lord will say that while you are waiting to engage fully in your dream, there are some things for you to do now. (See “What Can I Do?” October 9, 2017)
I’m familiar with a young man who didn’t care for his job. He didn’t wait for something better to come along. He didn’t sit by the side of the road poking a stick in the dust while hoping a “royal carriage” would arrive and sweep him away. No, he took steps on the road in the direction he wanted to go. He did three deliberate things while waiting for his dream.
1) He performed his job well and advanced in the field. 2) He continually sought a different job, with dozens of applications. 3) He studied his area of interest, reading books and talking with knowledgeable men.
His coworkers knew of his reading and mocked his aspirations. Undeterred by them, he continued taking steps on the road and came upon a “buckboard wagon”- not his dream job, but a good one. Today he is in more satisfying work and appreciates its benefits. He is still reading, learning from others, refining his dream and his approach. He’s still going while he waits. He and others are blessed along the way.
What dream will you ask God’s guidance about this week?
It makes me think about Jesus as He began his ministry. He was proactive, engaging, focused on the twelve and determined to give His life for us. He didn’t waist a moment! Why shouldn’t we do the same?! I think the biggest hurdle though, is figuring out our dream or focus. Life is short!
You’re a treasure!
You’re a treasure, Elena! Thank you for pointing us to Jesus’s focus and steady devotion to His purpose. You are so right – it is hugely helpful if we know what our focus should be. That’s one thing I pray for us ladies. May the Lord bless each of us with that knowledge.