Does Jesus Help Us Achieve Our Dreams?
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Many of us have dreams—aspirations that fuel our passions and motivate us to strive for something greater. But as believers, a key question arises: Does Jesus help us achieve our dreams? And if so, how do we navigate the seasons of waiting, disappointment, and uncertainty?
Understanding God’s role in our ambitions and aligning our desires with His will is crucial to a fulfilling journey of faith.
Does Jesus Help Us Achieve Our Dreams?
The Bible is filled with examples of God calling individuals to incredible purposes—Joseph, Esther, David, and even the disciples. While Jesus does not promise an easy path to success, He does assure us that He will guide, strengthen, and direct our steps (Proverbs 3:5-6).
There was a time when my friend’s husband felt called to a career in ministry but faced rejection after rejection. He questioned if he had misheard God’s call.
However, through persistent prayer and trust, God opened an unexpected door that was far greater than what he had envisioned. This taught me that Jesus does help us achieve our dreams, but often in ways we don’t expect.
Reflection Question
- Have you ever pursued a dream that didn’t go as planned?
- How did you see God’s hand in the process?
Biblical Examples of God Fulfilling Dreams
The Bible provides numerous examples of God fulfilling the dreams of His people. Here are a few key figures whose dreams came to fruition through faith and perseverance:
Joseph’s Dream (Genesis 37-50)
Joseph dreamed that he would one day be in a position of power. Despite being sold into slavery and imprisoned, God ultimately elevated him to second-in-command in Egypt, where he saved many lives during a famine.
David’s Kingship (1 Samuel 16-2 Samuel 5)
As a young shepherd, David was anointed to be king. His journey, however, was filled with challenges, including years of running from King Saul. Yet, God’s promise was fulfilled when David was crowned king of Israel.
Hannah’s Prayer for a Son (1 Samuel 1:10-20)
Hannah longed for a child, and through persistent prayer, God granted her the son she desired, Samuel, who became a great prophet.
Nehemiah’s Dream of Rebuilding Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2-6)
Nehemiah had a vision to restore Jerusalem’s walls despite opposition. Through God’s guidance and Nehemiah’s determination, the city’s walls were rebuilt in just 52 days.
Each of these examples highlights that God often fulfills dreams in ways that require faith, patience, and perseverance.
Reflection Question
- Which of these biblical stories resonates most with your own journey?
- How does it encourage you to trust God’s timing?
What Should We Do When It Seems to Be Taking So Long or Things Go Wrong?
Waiting can be one of the hardest aspects of following God’s plan. The Bible reminds us in Isaiah 40:31 that “those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.” But what should we do while waiting?
Stay Faithful in the Small Things
David was anointed king but spent years tending sheep and running for his life. He remained faithful in the little things, which prepared him for greater things.
Keep Praying and Seeking Guidance
James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously.
Adjust When Necessary
Sometimes, delays mean that God is redirecting us toward something better. We must be willing to let go of our timing and embrace His.
Take Action On Offered Blessings
While we have no control over whether we are blessed by the Lord or not, we can take action on doing the Lords work. Missionary work, temple work, prayer, faithfulness, and scriptures all bring promised blessings from the Lord.
A friend of mine who dreamed of starting a nonprofit. After years of failed attempts, she surrendered the dream to God. A year later, an opportunity arose through an entirely unexpected source, proving that God was at work all along.
Reflective Questions
- How do you respond when faced with delays or setbacks?
- Do you allow them to strengthen your faith or create doubt?
Bible Verses on Promised Blessings
God’s Word is filled with promises of blessings for those who trust Him. Here are a few key scriptures:
- Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
- Psalm 37:4 – “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
- Deuteronomy 28:1-2 – “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God.”
- Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
- Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”
- James 1:12 – “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
These scriptures remind us that God’s blessings come through faith, obedience, and seeking Him first in all we do.
How Can We Know That Our Plans Align with God’s Plans?
Waiting can be one of the hardest aspects of following God’s plan. The Bible reminds us in Isaiah 40:31 that “those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.” But what should we do while waiting?
Stay Faithful in the Small Things
David was anointed king but spent years tending sheep and running for his life. He remained faithful in the little things, which prepared him for greater things.
Keep Praying and Seeking Guidance
James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously.
Surround Yourself with Encouragement
It’s easy to become discouraged in seasons of waiting. Seek encouragement from fellow believers, mentors, and uplifting scripture.
Adjust When Necessary
Sometimes, delays mean that God is redirecting us toward something better. We must be willing to let go of our timing and embrace His.
Continue Developing Your Gifts
While waiting, invest in growing the skills and talents God has given you. Preparation during waiting seasons often leads to greater opportunities when God’s timing arrives.
Compare It to Scripture
Does your dream honor God and align with biblical principles? If it contradicts His Word, it may not be from Him. God will never lead us into actions that oppose His commands (Psalm 119:105).
Seek Wise Counsel
Proverbs 15:22 reminds us that plans succeed with the advice of many. Trusted mentors, bishops, and spiritual advisors can provide godly wisdom and help confirm whether our plans align with God’s will.
Listen to the Holy Spirit
God often speaks through conviction, peace, or an open door. A lack of peace could indicate a need to reassess. Philippians 4:7 speaks of the peace of God that surpasses all understanding—if we lack this peace, it may be a sign to pause and seek further guidance.
Evaluate Your Motives
James 4:3 warns that if we ask with selfish motives, we may not receive what we desire. Are we pursuing this dream for God’s glory, or is it rooted in pride, greed, or personal ambition.
Observe the Doors That Open and Close
Sometimes, God closes a door not to punish us but to redirect us to something better. A closed door can be an answer just as much as an open one.
A personal story comes to mind of a friend who dreamed of starting a nonprofit. After years of failed attempts, she surrendered the dream to God. A year later, an opportunity arose through an entirely unexpected source, proving that God was at work all along. Looking back, she realized the waiting period had strengthened her faith, refined her vision, and prepared her for the challenges ahead.
Sometimes, what seems like a delay is actually God’s preparation. He may be shaping us for the dream rather than simply handing it to us immediately.
Reflective Questions
- How do you respond when faced with delays or setbacks?
- Do you allow them to strengthen your faith or create doubt?
- Have you ever experienced a time when waiting led to something greater than you initially imagined?
- Have you ever felt God leading you in a different direction than you originally planned? How did you handle it?
Conclusion
Jesus does help us achieve our dreams, but often in ways we do not anticipate. When delays happen or things go wrong, it is crucial to remain faithful, seek His guidance, and trust that His plans are greater than ours.
Aligning our dreams with God’s will requires patience, prayer, and obedience, but in the end, His purposes are always for our good.
As you reflect on your dreams and ambitions, ask yourself: Am I truly trusting God’s timing? Am I open to His redirection? The journey may not always be easy, but with Jesus at the center, we can walk in confidence, knowing that He leads us toward the best possible future.
Wishing you a blessed day,
Vanessa Rooney – LDS Mum
