Most of us have big dreams we would be delighted to realize. Yours may all seem like “high hopes” and so big that they seem out of reach. Consequently, they remain hollow imaginings that when you really think about them . . . you dismiss them because you believe you will never actually see them happen.
For example, some of our dreams have to do with our physical surroundings including wanting a beautiful home with lovely gardens. Or wanting a good-looking car and fashionable clothes.
We have hopes for our personal relationships, such as a loving and strong union with our spouse. Close connections with our children, siblings, parents and other family members. We want good, solid friendships and social interactions that bring joy and fun to our lives.
We have hopes about how to make a difference in our world for the cause of Christ. Perhaps you dream of a going on a mission trip . . . or leading a small group in your church . . . or helping the poor in your community, country and the world.
But when you compare your reality with your dreams, there is a deep cavern between the two. And so you go on and live your life in the same way day after day, month after month, and year after year. And soon the dreams evaporate and you settle for the life that is left.
But let me challenge you today
Let me stir you a bit . . . so you can see that you can have a lot more than you realize. And perhaps those untouchable dreams will be fulfilled after all.
So I ask, “You may not be able to do it all right now . . . but what can you do?”
Perhaps your marriage isn’t the perfect one you have in your imagination. But what can YOU do today to add some love, life and joy into the relationship? Can you purpose to give your spouse a word of appreciation, encouragement or respect each day . . . with no strings attached? Can you do the same with your children? Is there a simple way you can reach out to a friend or family member that would show them you care about them and that you value them in your life?
Maybe you don’t have the “dream car” or the “dream house” right now. But what can YOU do today to appreciate what you do have and make it better and more enjoyable? Can you give your car a good and thorough scrubbing inside and out? Can you chose a room in your home and give it an update with a coat of paint, new curtains . . . or even a special accessory?
That mission trip you “dream of taking” someday might not be on the near future. But what can YOU do today to make a difference in the world to share the love of Christ? Can you start giving monthly support toward the missions program in your church? Can you buy an extra bag of groceries each month and leave it at the local food bank or soup kitchen? Can you make a commitment to provide prayer and financial support to help relieve some of the pain and suffering of those who have experienced major tragedy in their lives?
There is so much that we CAN do . . . if we don’t stay stuck because we can’t have the big dream all at once. So many people live in quiet desperation as they watch their dreams evaporate. But you don’t have to be part of that crowd.
Think About It
I hope you will take a few minutes and consider what YOU can do. I’m not talking about making such grandiose plans that they become so complex that they don’t get accomplished either. Instead, what are some simple things you can do? Even now, think of just one thing you can do to make a difference in your life and in the lives of others.
The Word gives us a proven instruction, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4. Your Father wants you to lead a great, powerful and very attractive life. He wants you to stand out so you can reveal the amazing life we can have when we put our trust in the Lord. So much awaits you. What will you do today to receive? What will you do today to start realizing your dreams and making in difference?
Thank you for the word of encouragement.
Thank you Susan
Thanks for the Powerful and Inspiring word of the day.
We sometimes want what is ours without longing to know what God wants from Us. Thanks again for reminding us that we need to know what God wants and he will provide us with the desire of our hearts.
Thanks again.
T
Thanks Susan Gregory
Hi,Susan thanks so much for caring hazrali here I’m a Christian and a busy one an is doing Gods work love you too I’ll keep in touch you really touch my heart blessings
Thank God for you and your ministry. I lost my husband of 26 years in October. Though I am adjusting, I’m having a difficult time getting things accomplished. This message has blessed me. Thank you Susan.
I am so glad this touched your heart, Patricia. God is so good and loves you so very much.
This must be a huge time of transition for you. I’m glad the message was helpful.
Be blessed
Thanks Susan for these wonderful messages, i am always blessed and uplifted.
Hearing from you always gives me an assurance of not doing life alone, above all that God’s CARE & LOVE for his children is abundant.
Very insightful points for children of God to ponder about the meaning of life, purpose and fulfillment.
Thank you Susan for this message. We wake up telling God thank you for all He has done, but I know in the back of head we are wanting more. But this message is a reminder that he would never put more on you than you can bare. We always want things in a hurry, this message let me know to take steps and wait on the Lord. HE will do it in His time not ours.
This is very good, Susan. I CAN do something today… and tomorrow to show appreciation for what i DO have.
Amen I have been through all these thoughts but continue moving forward and allowing God to lead my every move… thank you for the empowerment.
Thanks for this – I saw it this morning and just got around to reading it. As God intended, this is just what I needed to hear from Him thru you. Thank you for being a vessel!!
Thank you so much Susan for the encouragement. I have been in this particular space Where I want to achieve and so much yet am clouded with the feeling that I dont have enough to do it. Thanks for reminding me the importance of appreciating what I have and where I am at the moment as I trust and wait on the lord & patiently and continously work towards achieving what I want. This message has reached me on the right time.
Stay blessed.
Stella
Thank you Susan, this was perfect to make my day so much better. It’s nice to be reminded of just how great full we are when our minds want to tell we don’t have enough.
Love the “great full,” David. Wonderful play on words! Thank you! 🙂
I am currently in nursing school, and I work full-time. I have one semester left. I know God wants me to do this, but I don’t see myself successful at it. I am so afraid of harming a patient. I really appreciated this article. God has been letting me know this week through song, my daily devotional, and other people that I am right where I need to be. I need the reminder of taking small steps, taking one day at a time. There is so much spiritual warfare on a daily basis, it’s so draining. Thank you for your reminders of God’s infinite love and grace and the peace that comes with Him. I need daily reminders!
Kayla,
I have walked the path you are walking. When you graduate you will be a novice. As you work as a nurse things will begin to “click.” One day you will look back and think “wow! I really do know what I am doing. ” It won’t come right away but it will. Then with any advancement or change you will be a novice in that until you realize you are an expert in your field. Lean on the Lord for His guidance. Let your hands be an extension of His hands and your words and extension of His grace. It won’t be easy,but very rewarding. Nursing is a calling. I can testify that God does equip the ones He calls. Hang in there. Lisa
Thank you. I would like to know when is going to start the next Daniel Fast.
Hi Zayda,
The Daniel Fast is a method of fasting, rather than a called fast. Most people use the Daniel Fast for their method of fasting for the New Year Fast. Many use if for Lent. And thousands of people use it during their own personal fasting time when they have a special need and are seeking God’s wisdom.
Thanks for the encouragement. I really needed to here this word today. I’m Going through alot, but I know as long as I seek God he’ s going to see me threw!
This was such a timely message for me! God has been sending me messages through others that I desperately have needed to hear this past week. I’ve asked to hear Him and He is using you. Just want to encourage you and thank you for your obedience. You are a blessing to others!
Thank you for taking the time to write your encouraging words, Pamela.
Our God is so good and always faithful!
Thanks Susan very interesting
A great reminder. Thank you Susan for being a conduit. Trying to get a business off the ground can be overwhelming. I need to let God take the lead and show the steps one by one.
Thank you, Susan for those wonderful suggestions for realizing our dreams. I’m one of those persons who thinks it has to all or nothing so often it never occurs to me to work at things in phases. One of my dreams is to be delivered from lack and financial struggle. Please stand with me in my pray for deliverance from lack and that I one day soon, very soon realize my dream. Yours in Christ, Rita
I needed to read this message today! Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you Susan yes it is difficult and I hope my dreams will come true one day because I believe in God I wish to grow spiritually,I use to dream a lot but all of a sudden I don’t dream any longer I don’t know what happened. thank you
Open your heart to God. Open your heart to the desires He will give you . . . have faith in Him. He loves you so very much.
Thank you for this post. I had not thought of things in that manner. You get so stuck in the negative that you don’t even feel a positive exists. You opened my eyes to the fact through God the positive is there all I have to do is bring it out. Have a blessed day.
Brenda Anderson
Thank you Susan for your reminder to go back on track and for your encouragement.
I’ll start now what I pushed away cause of lazyness and thoughtlessness.
God bless you
I’m soooo uplifted & refreshed
by this word on today. Thank you for keeping your ear to God’s lips!!
Susan, thank you for these POWERFUL reminders to live the abundant life that God intends for us! We can live only one day at a time anyway, yet we frustrate ourselves with thoughts from influences other than God’s desire for our success and flourishing in each day. Your encouragement from this sharing of the Word of God reminds me of a song, “One Day At A Time.” May we each receive God’s Peace, Grace and Love.
Thank you Susan
I want to do something today that I can do, ” like make a change to my living room.” Starting with the moving of the furniture than the curtains also getting rid of things that do not belong. Thank you also for the encouragement that I received about I CAN.
I WILL.
JO ANN
Thank God for being an inspiration to me. You have opened my eyes so much. I pray that God continues to use you to bless, uplift, and encourage others.
Susan
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. Indeed I have so much I dreamt of in my life, owning a house, car, my two boys and also upgrading my Church which is also going through financial difficulties. Am so happy to have you as part of my life. You are so inspiring and really need your help, Susan, spiritually and mentally and physically.
Am a widow for 8 years now. And was hoping to get a steady, loving and caring boyfriend but its all proving be in vain. I need to be happy in life. am so lonely.
Susan,Thank you for your insight.I will try some of your ideas.I am struggling just to get through each day.A fresh outlook is always inspiring.I am going through a difficult time in my marriage,parenting and frustration not losing weight.I am exhausted and discouraged.I know the Lord will help me get through this.You are an inspiration to me.You are in my prayers.In Christ, Jodi Jer 29:11-13,Psalm 46:1
Thank you so much for the encouraging words. Most of everything you mentioned above spoke directly in my life.
Thank you for your words of encouragement. I’ll keep the faith and continue to read, study and feed my soul with God’s word. I truly feel blessed even though many of my dreams and hearts desires have not been realized. I believe in my heart that Gods word is true. The Holy Spirit supplies all my needs so that I can cope with every day events. He comforts me…” He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own… And the Joy we share …” I love the Lord Jesus Christ with all my heart. I am rich…not by this worlds standards, but by what Abba Father has promised awaits me in His Kingdom.
Blessed and highly favored,
MaryLee J. Jackson
Hi Susan, what I need understanding on is weather I can dream for the things I want to have or show allow God to give me the things that I need. I have a need for home, new car, I like to look good and love good clothes. I would love to travel oversee and see the world. I also want to know what God want me to do for Him so that my dreams don’t interfere with what God need me to do. can you share some light I need it please.
Enoch,
When you are in relationship with God, He will help you. Submit to Him and let Him direct you. It’s okay for us to have dreams and desires. The key is being open to God and to always allow Him to give us correction or more understanding. Proverbs 16:9 teaches us this powerful truth: A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.
Trust in Him. Stay close to Him. And then dream your dreams!
Thank you so much for this. Right on time! I appreciate your obedience to God in writing and sending out this devotion. When I signed up years ago to recieve information regarding the Daniel’s fast, I thought that was all I would be blessed with. However, this is so much more and this specific devotion is a God send as I am currently organizating my life and praying to God for my place of next. Thank you again and may God richest blessings rest upon and within you alway!
Thank you for this thought provoking devotional and obeying the Holy Spirit in sharing it at this time when l needed it. Thank You God for loving me to give these words of insight to me.
I have been working on me for the past three year assiduously and am seeing great results. God is truly shaping and molding me to be an example in the earth of what total submission to his will way and precepts produce.
I so needed to hear this message today! Thank you.