This last Sunday January 4th, the first Sunday of the new year, I had the privilege of hearing a message from a missionary to Ireland (Gary Davidson). I want to share what spoke to me from his message. Many times our lives take detours we never imagined. Someone once said, "Life is what happens while you're making other plans". Sometimes the detours and waiting can cause us to lose sight of the goals and dreams that we hoped for.
In 2 Kings 22 and 23 is the story of Josiah. He became King at the age of 8. Due to no choice of his own he found himself in a position he never sought leading a people that had forgotten their God given destiny and responsibility. It took 18 years before Josiah began to see his people remember their purpose and reinstitute the Passover. It took many years, but by the time Josiah died the nation had been transformed because of his leadership and tenacity.
This message encouraged me to not give up on the dreams God has given me. Take small steps every day towards accomplishing your God-inspired dreams.
A few things I need to remember are:
1. If I keep doing things the same way I will keep getting the same results
2. Learn to take risks. Try something new!
3. Keep sowing/investing even when you do not see immediate results. Farmers know there's a waiting period between when you plant the seed and harvest the growth.
4. Value others and encourage them before they have it all together. We are all in a process of growth and maturity.
5. Transformational people often have to overcome more than they ever thought possible.
It may seem impossible in our eyes, but with God all things are possible. I have been encouraged to continue pursuing my God-inspired dreams whole heartedly with a fresh fire in 2015! I hope you are too!
An encouraging verse:
Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.