Have you ever thought about why you have certain desires and dreams? I believe the start in the heart of God. The Israelites dreamed of freedom. They longed for the day they would live in the land that God had promised them. Where did this dream come from? It came from God. Many times our desires and dreams originate with God. He puts His desires in our hearts that will lead us to fulfill the plan He has for our lives. But, if we hesitate due to fear, we may miss out on the blessings God wishes to give us as we follow His plan.
I’ve often wondered about the 11 disciples that stayed in the boat instead of stepping out onto the water with Peter. They missed an amazing opportunity to walk on water with Christ! I use to live that way—afraid to step out in faith. I liked the comfort of staying in the boat. What I didn’t like was how dreadfully boring and uneventful my life was. I watched from the safety of my boat as opportunities passed me by. There’s no telling what kind of blessings I missed as well.
When you and I live by fear instead of by faith, we lose out. Look at the children of Israel. They suffered tremendous loss because of their inability to trust God. They walked away from the Promise Land and into 40 years of wilderness. UGH! That had to be annoying! I’m no different than them when I allow fear to lead instead of faith. That’s why it’s important to remember when God places a dream in my heart, I can trust Him to work out the details. My only responsibility is to trust and obey as He leads.
That’s the advice my pastor gave me when I first felt God’s call upon my life. My pastor told me to walk through the doors God opens. I should never move ahead of God, but wait for His green light—which is usually a pathway that only God could reveal. And, that’s just how God unfolded His plan for my life!
The same was true for Israel. God intended to lead them every step of the way until they reach the Promise Land, but fear caused them to take a different road. In doing so, they denied God the opportunity to demonstrate His faithfulness.
Maybe you can remember a time you set out to achieve a certain dream, desire or goal. You had prayed about it and experience peace to move forward. Then fear set in causing you to take a different direction.
Then remember this. God has promised to give His children what they need. We don’t have to know the whole picture in order to trust Him. He told Israel that He would lead them to the Promise Land, and He had every intention of fulfilling His promise. Imagine how the story might have played out if they had only believed.
Great post Micca!! And timely too! I’m blessed to be reading Renee’s book right now and your words were wonderful confirmation to what God has been saying to me thru those pages!! He is the Dream-Giver, now I just need to trust Him!! Loved your last post as well; actually just shared it with my husband last night. I’d read it in the morning and then last night he asked me to talk to his high school Sunday School class – doubt kicked in a bit (those high schoolers can be intimidating you know!!) and then I realized I had the same thoughts as you, what will they think of me??? Oh but God so quickly reminded me of what it’s all about!!! Thanks again for sharing and allowing His truth to bless me!! Already praying for all of you as you prepare for She Speaks!! Would love to be there, but with a baby expected on the 28th better not make those plans!! That might just make the conference a little too memorable!!!! Bless you, Jill
So true Micca. I am coming to She Speaks this year. It is a step of faith. I went three years ago. I did not expect to be back…not because I didn’t benefit from the experience. To me it was a once in a lifetime conference. The Lord put the conference in front of me last week and said to fly. I believe. I am out of the boat on this. I would love to have a power meeting(prayer) with you. Dream on….B
Jill says
Great post Micca!! And timely too! I’m blessed to be reading Renee’s book right now and your words were wonderful confirmation to what God has been saying to me thru those pages!! He is the Dream-Giver, now I just need to trust Him!! Loved your last post as well; actually just shared it with my husband last night. I’d read it in the morning and then last night he asked me to talk to his high school Sunday School class – doubt kicked in a bit (those high schoolers can be intimidating you know!!) and then I realized I had the same thoughts as you, what will they think of me??? Oh but God so quickly reminded me of what it’s all about!!! Thanks again for sharing and allowing His truth to bless me!! Already praying for all of you as you prepare for She Speaks!! Would love to be there, but with a baby expected on the 28th better not make those plans!! That might just make the conference a little too memorable!!!! Bless you, Jill
B says
So true Micca. I am coming to She Speaks this year. It is a step of faith. I went three years ago. I did not expect to be back…not because I didn’t benefit from the experience. To me it was a once in a lifetime conference. The Lord put the conference in front of me last week and said to fly. I believe. I am out of the boat on this. I would love to have a power meeting(prayer) with you. Dream on….B