Glorifying God Through Dreams

Getting a driver’s license has been one of my dreams for the past two years. And for those same two years, that dream has simply been buried. Until now, I still do not have a license to drive a car.

The reason is very simple: I have never seriously learned to drive. Even though I have a husband who is always ready to coach me, and there is a vehicle to practice with. Still, I have not managed to gather the courage and perseverance. I make dreams with enthusiasm, but I am not nearly as enthusiastic about making them come true.

Failing to Plan = Planning to Fail

Perhaps we have thought, or heard someone say, “Oh dear, year after year, my dreams are still the same. They never come true. So it is better not to make dreams at all. Just live life as it is.”

Those who arrive at this conclusion are usually already hopeless because of failure. Personally, I am not hopeless yet; I just shamelessly make the same dream (again) in the following year.

Even something that is planned can fail, let alone something unplanned, which is even more likely to fail. This is not a reason to stop building dreams. Instead, we need to learn to make better plans. Planning is not merely daydreaming or writing down dreams, but also needs to be accompanied by a strategy to make them happen.

Besides a sound strategy, the most important thing is involving God in our plans. Everything we do should lead to God’s glory, including when we make and pursue dreams. Being able to drive a car also counts as glorifying God, because indirectly, we succeed in overcoming fear when we go out on the road. So, do it (learn to drive) for God.

“Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23

Also make sure that the plans we make do not conflict with God’s will. By believing this, we will be lighter and more confident in pursuing our dreams.

Instead, you ought to say: "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” – James 4:15

Now, after arranging a strategy, praying, and making sure everything is in line with God’s will, what else should we do?

Apply these three things in your effort to reach your dreams:

1. Have a Clear Goal

We must know why we want to achieve something. For example, we need a driver’s license because we want to be independent in getting around. When there is an urgent need, we can go without having to wait for our spouse to come home from the office. We can also act quickly in an emergency, for example by taking a sick family member to the doctor.

Besides minimizing certain risks, we need to note the positive impact of our dream. For example, we imagine how nice it would be to become someone who can travel freely without burdening other family members. How relieving it would be when we are able to defeat the giant called fear.

Often, the reality is not as frightening as when we only imagine how long the process will take or what it will be like. So, find as many compelling reasons as possible that will make us even more motivated to reach our dreams.

2. Choose the Best Alternative

It is not enough just to have a goal; we also have to know how to achieve it. Take time to make a strategy, like a king who sits down to prepare for war (Luke 14:31). Note every possible way we can take to reach the goal.

For example, to get a driver’s license, we have several choices. If we want to save money, we can learn to drive with a spouse, friend, or family member; we just need to set regular practice days and hours. Those who have more funds can sign up for driving lessons. In just a few sessions, we can become skilled at driving and get a license.

After that, consider which choice best fits our situation and condition. Some may think it is better to take driving lessons, because learning from a spouse often does not become serious since it is free. However, not a few people have finally become good at driving thanks to the training of their spouse.

Think about several alternatives with their respective considerations, then choose the one that best fits our situation and condition. Whatever the choice, as long as we work at it diligently, it will surely bring us closer to the goal. 

3. Set a Time Frame

Procrastination is a bad habit that keeps our dreams far from reality. That is why we need to organize a schedule. With a deadline, we will be “forced” to go through each point along the road toward our dream. For example, we will register for driving lessons on February 10 and finish learning on April 10. That means by the end of April, we already have a driver’s license.

Even if we have a goal and alternative paths, without a defined time frame for carrying them out, we are usually tempted to postpone or drag our feet until we finally run out of time. Therefore, set the right time to begin and complete the plan. In that way, our effort toward the dream will be more measurable and its stages easier to track.

With a clear goal, choosing alternatives according to our situation and condition, and setting a time frame, the chances of success in reaching our dreams will be even greater. This applies to every dream we want to pursue. Above all, do not forget to pray, arrange a strategy, and make sure every step is in accordance with God’s will.

This year, let us strive to become better people by overcoming fear, building discipline, and refusing to give up in our efforts. Hopefully at the end of the year, we will smile and tick off every item on the list of dreams we managed to achieve. Does that not mean we have glorified God?

* Church GKDI is currently present in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official:
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