It’s a crazy journey, this thing called life.
When Dreams Lie Dormant
As a kid, I always knew what I’d be when I grew up. My earliest memories include listening to recording artist, Sandi Patty. I loved her voice. I knew her songs. I joined her kids’ club. She was living my dream. Someday, I would be the next Sandi Patty. I took voice lessons, piano lessons, guitar lessons. I studied French (though only for a year), so I’d be prepared for a college music major.
But then life changed. The path that had seemed so certain all my life suddenly turned a different direction. I sensed God leading me away from my dream, as I heard Him whisper to my soul, “That dream is all about you, about making a name for yourself.” He gently reminded me that this walk of faith is about making His name known, and not my own. He asked me to give Him my dream, like a sacrifice on the altar of love.
More than anything, I wanted to walk with Jesus. But just where He was leading, I couldn’t quite tell.
Little did I know how characteristic of “real life” that change of events would be. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
That has proved true over and over again in my life. Sometimes it’s really painful. Dreams don’t die easily. But you know what I’ve learned?
- Through it all, God is good.
That sounds cliché, and overly simplistic. But really, that’s the beauty of it. Life can be so complicated, so confusing, so disappointing, so painful. But in the midst of everything, God simply remains the same. Steadfast. Immovable. Good.
- I can trust Him with my dreams.
While God didn’t made me the next Sandi Patty, He did lead me to Life Action Ministries, where I traveled as a singer for three years. I even got to participate in a few CD projects. And best of all, I met my hubby there. We haven’t lived happily ever after, but we’ve learned what love is – a deep companionship that weathers the storms together, an abiding friendship that echoes the heart of God. No, life hasn’t turned out the way I planned, but it has been better.
- When God takes something away, He gives back more of Himself.
God’s Plans for Good
Sometimes the things we hold onto are substitutes for God Himself, and they are poor replacements for the real thing. Ultimately, they leave us empty and unfulfilled, because God alone satisfies the human soul.
What about you, dear friend? What dreams lie dormant in your heart? How have you found Him to be trustworthy? What has He revealed to you about Himself? Please join in the conversation – I’d love to hear your story!
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This is so beautifully written, and so true. My experience is much the same. When I first desired to be a writer/speaker, He revealed that I had far too much pride, that it was about getting attention for myself. Ten years later, I finally stepped into writing/speaking with a much more humble heart and constantly on guard for pride. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing this.
Thank you, Carol for your comment and for sharing your story, too! So grateful for a wise God who knows the best path for each of us!
Meredith! I saw you on the 2;1 Network Facebook page, and was so excited to check out your blog! More Life Action Alumni in the blogosphere! It is so true that God often changes the plans we have made for ourselves, and we have a choice how to respond. I love your blog mae “Dazzled By the Son,” and look forward to reading more! 😉
Whoa! “Name” not “mae” hahaha
I’m so excited to reconnect with you, Crystal! Thanks for commenting! I love your blog name as well – how thankful I am for unchanging grace, especially as I see (the longer I live) how uncertain and unstable life is. God’s grace is truly astounding! I look forward to reading more from your blog as well!