Don’t tell me that you’ve been told the same thing as I have. It’s pretty annoying in fact. I’m certain that you could get as discouraged as I have when I’ve been told not just once but several times, "You can’t do that!"
Even those who are well intended can bring discouragement to another individual when they say that. I’m certain that they are often thinking about circumstance in their life that didn’t work out or even concerned that I could fail at whatever I am making an effort to accomplish.
Someone once said, "Don’t let someone who gave up on their dreams talk you out of yours."
These comments can come from people whom you trust or those that are your mentors. They are likely trying to keep you from getting hurt but what they don’t realize is that perhaps God has planted a dream on your heart.
If Thomas Edison would’ve quit after his first field effort we likely would not have the inventions and the convenience of the incandescent light. In fact, he faced 100’s of failures what could have discouraged him and was even overheard saying, "That’s 500 ways that I know won’t work."
Sometimes what keeps us from trying is the fear of failure. It may be just a few words but someone else’s discouragement can keep us from realizing our dream or for filling our purpose.
Proverbs 13:12 reminds us that, "Hope deferred his heart ache, but a dream for filled is the tree of life." All throughout Scripture in fact we find that hope is often set aside. Abraham face this challenge when he chose his own plan instead of waiting for God to give him a child. Moses spent 40 years in the desert before responding to God’s Call. The Israelites were sentenced to 40 years in the desert because the spies, who surveyed the promised land came back with a negative report. Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers because of their jealousy of him.
Over and over we can find examples of God’s people becoming discouraged and having their hopes dashed my circumstances. Of course we’ve all heard similar words of discouragement that have kept us from our dreams.
I’ve heard it said that hope is stronger than fear. The proverb also reminds us that a dream for filled is the tree of life. It is a reminder that as our dreams are accomplished and we are able to see results, it gives us greater opportunity and potential to dream bigger dreams. In fact, we are encouraged to have a "BHAG", a big hairy audacious goal.
Experts tell us that if we fail to dream big then we fail to dream at all. Scripture reminds us that we should pursue something bigger than ourselves because it is a reminder that only God can accomplish our BHAG.
Ephesians 3:20 tells us that God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ever ask, think, or imagine.
Often we limit ourselves because of a barrier or lack of resources. We may say to ourselves that it cannot be done. We may even talk ourselves out of it. We might worry that it’s too much sacrifice or we may fail so we simply follow the status quo.
The Bible is the most optimistic book ever written. It tells us that we can accomplish great things for gods glory. It reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. It tells us that with man it is impossible but with God all things are possible.
Most of us are not motivated because of the fear of failure. But I say that we should strive anyways. I want to encourage you that no matter the barrier or lack of resources or circumstances that seem insurmountable that you should do it anyways. Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.
Passion in itself may not be enough but coupled with your abilities and God’s empowerment you could accomplish much for His glory and His heavenly gain. Proverbs 16:3 reads, "Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed."
