What is your God-sized dream?
I sat with a couple of friends last week and we talked about God-sized dreams. I have to be honest. My definition of this was very different than it actually is.
God-sized dreams sounded BIG.
It sounded scary.
Maybe those God-sized dreams are impossible.
By the end of the conversation, I looked at it in a different way. In fact, there is an aha moment in this conversation that still delights me!
[bctt tweet=”Your God-sized dream isn’t about how hard you work, but finding where you fit and running after that. #morethansmalltalk ” username=”suzanneeller”]
My God-sized dream is to be a fighter. You’ll understand that more as you listen.
I can’t wait to see what your God-sized dream is, and what God wants to do with it.
Also, watch for the moment that my son unexpectedly walks through the door and into the conversation. He was surprising me with a visit, and had no idea we were broadcasting. I laughed out loud when I watched this back. I put my finger to my lips to tell him to be quiet, as if you wouldn’t see me doing it. Lord, help me. ♥
Q: What is your God-sized dream?
Q: What did you love when you were 10? How does that play into your God-sized dream today?
Q: How can we rest in our God-sized dream?
Q: What might it mean to you to “do it afraid?”
Suzie
Related resources:
There were three resources mentioned in this interview:
- Come With Me: Discovering the Beauty of Following Where He Leads (Suzie)
- God-Sized Dreams (Holley)
- The Launching of 20-Somethings (Jennifer)
[inlinkz_linkup id=711658 mode=1]
I am on the precipice. Yesterday I had a job interview, and made it to the next tier of interviewing with the company. That is straightforward progress toward my God sized dream.
Also yesterday, I came home overwhelmed. I looked at the paperwork, and all the information, and the requests to fill out online forms and take surveys, and the quotas mentioned, and I didn’t do anything. Didn’t open the documents, didn’t fill anything out, just didn’t.
This morning I’m up at what would be considered and “un-Godly” hour because I couldn’t sleep. 4:30 a.m. had me up, wrapped in a blanket, sitting at the computer and opening Suzie’s message in my inbox.
And then I watched this video. Talk about God speaking to me? I can see that. But I’m still afraid. And then I remember the quote “Do It Afraid.”
Today, I will act although I’m afraid. Today I will force myself to remember, the part of me that never healed from the child abuse, the part of me that still creates chaos because it’s what I got used to, the part of me that believes financial struggle is all I deserve because I’m not worthy enough for financial security, all those parts of me have had their time. I deserve to move on and for those things to be in my past, not negatively shaping my future.
Prayers please. I’m truly scared.
Oh precious, Shelly. I pray for you to make the next step, even in fear, because in fear we lean even closer to our Savior who is your biggest fan and best cheerleader. He knows you, desires you, and He calls you His own. As you fill out your paperwork remember the words of our wise friends and hold onto God’s truths that you are never alone. I am clapping for you and saying, “You go girl, do it afraid!”
Thank you Michele.
Shelly I wrote this pray this morning and as I was reading your comment I wanted to share it with you. I wrote this prayer for myself as I too experience fear and as I read these words taken directly from scripture to myself as a declaration I felt stronger on the inside. I felt empowered. I felt not alone. So hoping Gods word will encourage you to take the next step of what He’s asking you to do and not fear. This prayer is taken from these scriptures.
John 10:14, John 10:10, 1 John 4:18, 2 Tim 1:7, Deut 31:8 , 2 Cor 12:9 and Phil 4:6-7.
Lord, your word declares, You are the shepherd. That you know your sheep and they know you. That the thief comes only to rob, kill and destroy but you came Jesus so everyone would have life, and have it fully. You came and drove out fear because your perfect love for us and we no longer fear punishment because we were made perfect in your love. So why do I fear when the Spirit you gave me is not timid, but gives me power, love and self discipline. I do not fear anything because you go before me and you will never leave me or forsake me. You will not fail me or abandon me so I will not be discouraged because your grace is all I need. Your power works best in weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. Therefore, I will not worry about anything. Instead I will pray about everything. I will tell you Lord what I need and I will thank you for what you have already done. Then, I will experience Your peace, which exceeds anything I can understand. Your peace will guard my heart and mind as I live for you Jesus. So God, I thank you that you are able to bless me abundantly so that in all things at all times, I will have all I need to abound in every good work. Thank you for your perfect sacrifice.
Praying you’ll fo it afraid, Shelly. I’m chiming in my prayer with these others.
You have come to a special place, Shelly. I believe these ladies are consistent, in and out of season, as is our Savior Jesus. May His peace fill and surround you. I agree with them, “You go, girl!” You are loved by your Creator. He is faithful, kind, and loving. You are His and He can do more than we could ask or imagine.
Linda
Suzie, this is my second time to watch the posted video and each time I came to the same conclusion…at the age of 10 my dream was to be seen, wanted, and understood. To feel noticed. It took many, many years living in insecurity, fear, and discouragement for me to peal off the liar and pull on my Savior. To truly understand and know God “feels” and can “fill”my biggest heart’s need and desire. Purpose.
So, my God-sized dream is this: I am an encourager/cheerleader and I pour God’s love on other women.
Thank you for your passion and for the fighter gal you are. Thank you for pouring God’s truths and wisdom on so many.
I snickered at you mamma moment. Sweetness popped up unexpectedly. That too was a God-moment. ❤️
Michele, Did you live my life?? I was about to write almost exactly the same thing!! At ten, being the middle child of seven, surving and desiring to be noticed and nurtured were not necessarily my dreams but definitely my need. Never realized why encouraging and praying for other women is so important to me but it stems from feeling invisible in a crowd!! I loves the mama moment too!!
Nancy, I knew there was a reason for our kindred spirit! Love you.
Thank you for your words! I was even encouraged while reading your comments!!
Very helpful…God puts us all in different places at different times to do our “God sized dreams”. Mine is doing each day of retirement to His honor and glory.
My God-sized dream has a tendency to get lost in the day-to-day demands of a busy life — and it’s tempting to feel selfish (or, honestly, to BE selfish) in pursing little steps in any direction, and yet the faithfulness of God shines through, and I’m thanking Him today for this encouragement! Blessings to you!
You are not alone in those feelings, Michele! Praying you continue to see His encouragement and follow the path He has laid out for you!
Simply to learn what God has next in store for me, as a woman of 63. I’m a relatively new empty-nester of one, after 26 years my marriage dissolved this past year, retirement looms in the near future and for the first time in 30+ years I don’t own a home. I have to believe I’m still worth something. I just don’t know what is next.
Hi Kathy, thank you for trusting us with your heart. You are in a safe place of love and friendship. You are worthy, Christ died for you that is how worthy you are. I pray for a moving forward, even in the uncertainty of life over you. The unknown is scary. Lean into Jesus. His hand is reaching for yours, walk hand in hand with Him. Time heals our heart. Hand your heart to the One who loves you the most. Our Healer, our Savior.
Thank you for pointing me back to Him.
Father, while we may not know what is next, you do. I pray that this day is held in your hands and all of her tomorrows too. May she follow you day by day. Listening. Discovering. Holding close as you lead. For you promise to lead. We trust in that promise together.
Thank you for your prayer and the reminder that He holds all of my tomorrows.
Hi Kathy – At 53, I have some common ground with you. I will pray for you continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. God ALWAYS has your back. My road has not been without challenges and you’ll have those too. He will put people in your path that will inspire, encourage, and help you. Listen to God’s voice. Don’t be afraid to think out of the box. You are SO worthy. Hugs.
Thank you for your encouraging words.
Honestly my God sized dream is to write but sometimes I wonder if that is just my dream or His.
Jen Renee-Lifting you up to our Abba Daddy for him to clarify this for you!! Sometimes when it’s a “not now” dream we can easily think it’s not His dream but He is in the details and I pray that he guides your every step, or should I say every word, of this God sized dream.
My God-sized dream is to run an orphanage and do mission work! I will be starting college this fall, so I am not sure how I will accomplish this dream, but I feel God tugging on my heart!
Swayze, Praying for God to open the doors and bring women along side you as you seek Him in these God sized dream!!
My God size dream is to go to Africa on a mission trip.thank u for giving us this opportunity to win
Praying for your God-sized dream, Noelle! May you begin to see open doors and provision!
My God sized dream, as a ten year old was to survive, to be noticed and feel like I really mattered. As the middle child of seven with both parents working a lot was expected of us. I see that now, I wanted to be encouraged and prayed for and today that is my “right now” God sized dream-to encourage and pray for women. To help them see the other side of the story so they can act appropriately act instead of react. I thought a dream I have may not be God’s because it just isn’t happening right now but now I see it’s a “not now” dream. I dream of writing a book, actually two, I even have their titles but it’s a not now dream. Thank you sweet sisters for pointing out that justecause it isn’t happening now it’s not my God sized dream!! Loved your mama moment Suzie-love that you sweet sisters are real!!
You are truly inspirational, Nancy! Praying and believing for your God-sized dreams!
Wow, Nancy! Looks to me like much of you 10 year old dream came about. You inspire me. Praying now for your dream.
Beautiful encouragement. I can’t wait to listen to the video! I was JUST thinking I’d like to re-read Holley’s God-Sized Dreams. Mine is to serve full-time in women’s ministry: writing, speaking, mentoring, one on one encouragement. I’m already doing it, but look forward to more. Am thinking of re-writing my resume, for the future.
My God-sized dream is two-fold. The first, most pressing dream is to be a good wife and mother to my children, to be a witness in my own home that will draw my husband to Christ, to raise our children to know Jesus and to love Him. The second part is that I have known since I was a little girl that God has a story for me to share with the world. I don’t know how that will look or sound or feel yet. Just like Jennifer, I know that the time isn’t yet. But I know that the time is coming when HE will open the doors and allow me to tell His story in my life.
My God sized dream is simple.. To learn & grow. To let God tear down my walls from my past fears & pain. Which are keeping me from letting go & trusting in Him completely. To let myself feel loved, safe, & cared for and by doing so learn what my next God size dream will be & let Him lead me to it & through it. Lord I pray this to my heart….
My God-sized dream is to glorify God through the written word and by delivering kindness to those in need. God has drawn me infinitely closer over the last 15 years as I’ve battled infertility, the unexpected birth of our daughter with Down syndrome, my sister’s tragic passing, and our son’s crippling mental health diagnosis. At first, I was angry with God and then tried to numb myself with workaholism in a job with lots of responsibility and public presence, which actually back-fired in leaving me with little time for my two little ones with special needs. Then, finally in the last few months, after several false starts and broken promises, God revealed that my underlying dream to encourage others and spread kindness was still acheiveable, despite a seemingly insurmountable daily obligation to my two children with special needs.
I’ve always thrived working independently, been highly self-motivated, and loved crafting a good paragraph. I’m better at expressing myself through the written word than verbally. I need time to ponder the best way to express myself. I’m a thinker and love deep expression and conversation. I can write on my own time aside from the phone calls from the school when my two kiddos with special needs need me. There is still a way I can give back to the world when mine seems to be crashing in on me… I can share my story, His love, and how He has rescued and redeemed me… and I hope will use me to share how this broken girl is slowly gathering the shattered pieces of her life to build a glorious alter to the One her saved from the darkest and scariest places in her forty-something life.
Wish me luck as I embark on this daunting journey! I’m taking several Christian writing classes now on how to share my story to glorify God but this somewhat trepidatious neophyte would welcome any advice from all you brave bloggers and writers out there!! Thanks in advance for your sage advice and prayers! I keep telling myself that even if no one responds to my writing, I’ve glorifies God, which is all that truly matters!
Thanks for the link up!
WOW! This speaks to me. It is where I am right now. It is just more encouragement that I am following where God wants me. I have always always had a dream to own a farm, raise food, and help animals. 15yrs ago after my husband left I bought a small house (shack) with 1 acre. I have had many people tell ne I do more with that yhan they do w 10-30 acres. I cant help it. I have to. Its what God gave me to do. Recently my fiance left. He didnt want to be a part of this dream. But I cant give it up. I must do what God wants me too. So last week I decided to try to sell my shack and buy a small farm. Yes to help animals but in some way as a ministry. Im not sure what that means , and i dont have to, but I feel that is where God is sending me. I have to trust and have faith in Him. It is very scary but also exciting to see God work.
Thank you for the beautiful message and encouragement. God bless
What a fun idea, Terry. Praying that God uses this desire to create a sustainable ministry that you love and that enriches the kingdom!
Thank you for sharing and clarifying “God-Sized Dreams.” I have thought they would be large and more than I could handle these days…in this late season of my life at 69. But God has plans for me no matter what age I am and I do want to live them as I want to walk in obedience each day. Thank you so much.
Yes, Linda! As you saw, I had my aha moment regarding that. If it’s being true to what God has created me to be and stepping into that in whatever I do, then I can do that with His help!
You made me really think today – when I was a little girl I really enjoyed taking care of people and helping them. I would do my Aunts hair – rolled it up every day during her soap operas. Over the years I have helped many older ladies by getting their groceries, cleaning their homes, going to DR’s and more. As I sit here worn out myself from all the years of taking care of my family and others – I realize I am living my God given dream and doing exactly what God has wanted me to do.
I love that!
I wish I knew my God-sized dreams! I have no idea what they would be and it’s not because I am already living them. Right now, I feel really limited in what I can do because of my chronic pain and health issues. I feel useless for God and His kingdom and like I don’t have an impact in others lives. I feel like I’ve missed out on a lot of life so far and I just turned another year older yesterday. I’m just stuggling in multiple ways and could really use prayer.
Christie, one of the aha moments for me was realizing it wasn’t so much how big a dream was, but discovering who God made me to be. I pray with you today that you will realize that you are far from useless. God loves you right where you are, and you have so much in you that has the potential to impact others. I am reaching with a huge hug to celebrate your honesty and your heart to serve. What a beautiful example of faith.
Lord, I pray for Christie. Meet here right where she is today. In the midst of pain. In the midst of struggle. In the midst of honesty and a desire to follow her God-sized dream. Show her. Walk with her. Cover her with your powerful presence and healing touch. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Enjoyed this so much! Would love to sit and chat with each of you! What a special group you are. Thanks for sharing your lives with us.
Yes, Thank You for an inspiring, fun and amazing post and video today. I actually cried during it (in a good way!) because it was what I needed to hear today. (Coincidences are God’s way of remaining anonymous). Thank you for the “action” elements and the reminder that all seasons are good seasons… God meets us everywhere.
Hi Suzie,
How does on cope and deal with a husband who is forcing what he wants me to do and be when it’s not in line with a God-sized dream for me?
I watched the video for clarity. I feel like I’ve given up everything just for him and he’s forcing onto me what he wants out of me. He’s squashing all my dreams, God-sized or not. I’m so frustrated I’m stifled!
Hi Kimberly,
I will be praying for you about this situation, that God will give you wisdom and clarity. Perhaps, you’ve already done this, cast your cares on God because He cares for you, loves you and wants the best for you and your marriage. May God give you revelation for this circumstance.
Thank you for this post because it was definitely a word in season and answer to prayer as I have been seeking God for His purposes to be accomplished in my life, based on what He has called and equipped me to uniquely do. I will take the simple steps you’ve provided and see where He leads!
You are a blessing to your viewers!