Everything starts with a dream and everyone has their own dreams. Many people give up their dreams because other things appear more important. Jobs, Loan repayments and kids, are some reasons people never choose to follow their dreams.
Following your dream
Have you ever wanted to be something or someone that you were afraid to be? Or wanted to do something but were scared everyone would laugh and mock you for it?
I have and it wasn't until recently did I realise how damaging fear can be. Fear of being judged or being different. And it's not a new concept either- everyone feels like this at some point and time in their lives- and that feeling doesn't necessarily go away.
It all starts with a dream, or at least it did with me. I dreamed of a career with physical requirements currently beyond my own strength and so I gave up that dream and picked another. One that still isn't in my comfort zone but one I knew I'd be supported in.
A career; my parents, friends and other family would be proud of. One that would make them stop and say, 'How cool, how exciting that you're doing that' or 'Have you heard what she's doing?'. Acceptance is a good feeling, even if it's not really what you think you want.
But life is all about dreaming bigger and setting your sights high on something unreachable. It's about challenging yourself and achieving what you thought to be impossible- it's about showing people what you're made of.
Taking the right steps to reach your goal
Achieving a dream is never easy and no one ever said it was. To achieve your dream, you need to make sure it's what God wants for you and not just what you want for yourself. As said in Matthew Chapter 7 verses 7 to 9, "Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
Once you know what it is God wants for you, pray about it some more. Confirmation from God is the most encouraging thing for a doubtful dreamer.
Discouragement set aside
It is possible to have more than one dream at the same time. We all want many things in life and it's a known fact, we're not going to get them all. But it is still possible to be realistic and ambitious with our dreams. It's about working out what you need to achieve to be able to reach your desired destination.
Not only that but it takes courage to follow your dreams. If you know that the dream is really what you want to do, you should never let anyone get in your way or let anything stop you. It sounds cliché but you don't want to realise in ten years' time that you've been chasing the wrong dream.
Most importantly don't fret- God has a purpose and a plan for your life. It says in Psalms chapter 37 verses 23 and 24, "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail in their lives. Though they may stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand."
Joelle Bautista is a Journalism student of the New Zealand Broadcasting School based in Christchurch. She enjoys writing, talking and playing sport. Born and raised in the Church, her love for God grows increasingly by the day.
Joelle Bautista's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/joelle-bautista.html