Accomplishing Your Dreams

     Dreams move our life. They keep us up at night and wake us up early. They are why we went to school, got married and had children. They are why we work hard. Dreams can be professional or personal; they can be for our family or to help other people. Really great dreams have two qualities. They help others and  they come from God.

     God wants us to accomplish great dreams. Ephesians 3:20 says: “God, by His mighty power at work within us, is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of – infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.” When Jesus met needy people he often asked them “What do you want me to do for you?” He wanted to fulfill men’s dreams. He gave sight to the blind, healing to sick and freedom to the oppressed. He gave them their dreams. William Cary said: Attempt great things for God, and expect great things from God.”

I’ve noticed that there are basically five types of people: (1) People without a dream, (2) People with a low dream, (3) People with the wrong dream, (4) People with a vague dream, (5) and people with God’s dream. I want a dream that makes a difference in the world, one that touches people hearts and brings healing. That’s what Jesus does. I want a dream like his.

    

     Here are 8 steps to getting a dream like Jesus and making it happen:

 

Step 1: Open your Mind to God: That’s the principle of Inspiration. “A man is foolish to trust himself.  But those who use God’s wisdom are safe.” (Proverbs 18:26). The question to ask is: What is God’s will? Psalm 46:10 says: “Be still and know that I am God.” If you want to know if God has a dream for you life you’ll have to ask him.

 

Step 2: Do some Research: This is the principle of information. Proverbs 13:6 says: “Every prudent man acts out of knowledge” and Proverbs 18:13 says: “What a shame – how stupid – to decide before knowing the facts.” If we want to accomplish a great dream we need to understand what it involves. The question to ask is: What do I need to know?

Step 3: Start asking for advice: That’s the principle of consultation. The bible says: “The more advice you get, the more likely you are to win.”  (Proverbs 24:6) and “Get good advice and you will succeed.”  (Proverbs 20:18) and “The intelligent man is always open to new ideas.  In fact, he looks for them!” (Proverbs 18:15) The question to ask is: Who else could help me?

 

Step 4: Establish some priorities: That’s the principle of selection.  Proverbs 17:24 says: “An intelligent person aims at wise actions, but a fool starts off in many directions.” The question to ask is: What is my target?

 

Step 5: Evaluate the cost: This is the principle of evaluation. Proverbs 20:25 says: “It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.” Jesus said: “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you (Luke 14:28–29). The three questions to ask are: Is it necessary that I accomplish this dream? What will it cost me to accomplish this dream? Is accomplishing this dream worth the sacrifice?

 

Step 6: Plan for problems: This is the principle of preparation. Every plan has problems. No person is 100% perfect. Proverbs 20:18 says: “Don’t go charging into battle without a plan.” Proverbs 22:3 says: “A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them. A simpleton never looks and suffers the consequences.” The questions to ask are: What can go wrong with this dream? When problems occur how will I react?

 

Step 7: Be willing to risk, face your fears. This is the principle of Confrontation. It’s been said that courage isn’t the absence of fear, its acting in spite of fear. Proverbs 29:25 says: “Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety.” And Proverbs 14:26 says: “Reverence for the Lord gives confidence and security.” The question to ask is: Is God in on this dream with me?

Step 8: Do it now! This is the principle of initiation. Proverbs 16:3 says: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.” Dreams are just wishful thinking until you begin to put them into actions. The question to ask is: If I don’t do it now, when will I do it, or will I ever do it?

 

Join us at Reimagine Life as we talk about accomplishing our dreams for God. I hope to see you there.