Dwelling in Hope

Have you ever had God place a big dream on your heart? Quickly after that arrived, the enemy started to hold your thoughts captive with panic and fear, bringing to surface all the reasons why that dream would never work.

It can be debilitating being consumed with lies that distract you from God‘s plans for your life. Perhaps you think lessons learned from your trials would not benefit others. I don’t believe that to be true. I think God never uses anyone greatly until they are tested deeply. C.S. Lewis said “Hardships often prepare an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny”. Our Father often uses our deepest pain as the launching pad for our greatest calling. After all, a life without cause is a life without affect. Sometimes, God redeems your story by surrounding you with people who need to hear your past, so it doesn’t become their future.

God doesn’t give us what we can handle, he helps us handle what we get. What God orders, he pays for. If He places a dream on your heart, He will pave the way, open doors and provide. We just need to put our yes on the table, and follow His lead. Isaiah 58:11 promises that God will guide you and will continually restore your strength. And Isaiah 14:27 says when the Lord of the heavens armies has spoken who can change his plans? When his hand is raised, who can stop him?

Walk in your purpose. Don’t claim fear as yours and replace it with faith. Feel fear and do it anyways.

Do it overwhelmed.

Do it insecure.

Do it wounded.

Do it discouraged.

Do it anxious.

Do it grieving.

Do it trembling.

Don’t wait for your feelings to align with your decision, or your life will be on hold.

We are in fear, because we think we are to use our power and strength to accomplish what God has asked us to do.

Stand in the authority of God‘s word. When we take action, we put the enemy on notice that fear no longer owns us. It’s not about who we are, it is about who’s we are. We are calling on God’s power, authority & wisdom. Now, that is an altogether different game. We merely need to empty our vessel and be ready and able to be a witness to what God will do. We need to show up and humbly do the work He asks us to do, and always keep in mind who is driving the bus, feed our faith with the truth and be in awe of what God lets us join in on.

Exhale fear and inhale courage.

When you live your purpose, that is also where you will find your joy.

Step forward and live boldly in God‘s purpose for your life and light a path of hope.