In the past few weeks, I have encountered three different people who have a dream of something they’d like to pursue in their life, but they’ve been scared to try it. One was a dear friend, the other two were fellow writers and complete strangers who reached out to me for advice. And with each new person I’ve talked to about this same topic, it’s gotten me thinking…
How many people out there have a dream buried in their heart, and they never do anything with it because they are afraid of failure or what others might think of them?
How many people out there think that their dream is foolish and a waste of time?
If you’re one of those people and you’re reading this right now, I have some news for you that I hope will encourage you today:
If you’re living for God and there is a big, seemingly impossible dream you carry in your heart, there is a very good possibility it was put there by Him. God designed each of us uniquely, and as part of that design, He gave us gifts and talents. Passions and purpose. And all of this, whether big or seemingly small, can be used to bring glory to your Creator.
You see, we often have the wrong idea about what the word “ministry” means. Yes, the type of ministry within the walls of the church is vitally important. But ministry doesn’t end at the threshold of your local assembly. We can, and should, be ministers to our fellow man in all aspects and arenas of our lives. This means we can be ministers on our job site, no matter our career path. We can be ministers online through a blog like this one. We can serve others and glorify God in countless ways, all by using our personal talents for Him!
Do you need an example? Well, I’ve got the perfect one for you.
Charity Jewell Walter. If you’re a faithful reader of this blog and a fan of Dainty Jewell’s Apparel, then you’ll know who she is. Charity started her business as a teen, making hair accessories. It was a fun “hobby” that became a passion. In time, it became a thriving business that made beautiful yet modest dresses more attainable than they’d been previously - that in itself is a huge blessing. As her business has grown and expanded, she’s also been able to touch and bless others by donating dresses to believers all across the world.
Her dream was to create a clothing company, and just look how God has used it to bless His kingdom and His people! This article you’re reading wouldn’t even be on the internet right now if not for a teenage girl stepping out and deciding to pursue her dream.
It’s amazing what one decision can lead to, right?
One of the young women I spoke to about this topic recently said that the thing she struggles with the most is the fear of what people will think of her. I can relate to that struggle all too well. For years, I was so embarrassed to talk about my love of writing and my dream of having a career as an author. I didn’t have aspirations of going to college and getting a degree. I just wanted to be a wife, mother, and writer and serve God in whatever aspect of church ministry He called my family to. I remember feeling so self-conscious when people asked me what my plans were after high school and being scared to tell them the truth. I knew a lot of them didn’t think writing was a “real” job. Many didn’t understand it or me, and some still don’t, I’m sure. But after years of this inner battle, I finally came to a conclusion only a few years ago:
God placed this passion in my heart–entrusted a talent into my care–and who am I to bury it? How can I look Him in the face some day and say I wasted what He gave me because I was embarrassed or scared?
It was a long journey to getting to that understanding, but I’m thankful I finally did.
So I ask you today: what is your dream? Is there something you’d like to do that you’re hesitant to pursue? Maybe you want to start a small business, or write a book, or share encouraging messages on social media. Whatever it is, I encourage You to set aside the fear and doubts and choose to be bold this year. Take steps toward your dream and let God do what He does best - take our imperfect efforts and use them for His kingdom. Your dream doesn’t have to look like everyone’s else’s or what the world would define as success. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what the world thinks. All that matters is that you know you’re pleasing the God who created you!
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Maybe you're that guy with the suit and tie
Maybe your shirt says your name
You may be hooking up mergers, cooking up burgers
But at the end of the day
Little stuff, big stuff, in between stuff
God sees it all the same
While I may not know you, I bet I know you
Wonder sometimes, does it matter at all?
Well let me remind you, it all matters just as long
As you do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you
'Cause He made you to do
Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face
Tell the story of grace with every move that you make
And every little thing you do
~ "Do Everything" by Steven Curtis Chapman
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Photo by Sasha Freemind on Unsplash
