You may be a few days away from the life you’ve always dreamed

One glorious summer afternoon, my youngest daughter and I attended a charity luncheon and Lilly Pulitzer fashion show at a lovely beachside resort. With stunning ocean views, we sat at crisp, white linen-covered tables. Hot pink hydrangeas placed in colorful baskets served as our centerpiece. And in the bright sun, we dined on tomato gazpacho, grilled chicken and shrimp salad.

After lunch, was the fashion show. And we watched the beautiful designs being modeled, as we enjoyed petite pastries for dessert. Then, there was a raffle. The over, 350 guests who attended the luncheon were given a ticket when they arrived for the drawing. And the prize was a five-hundred dollar shopping spree at the Lilly Pulitzer store.

In a loud voice, the MC began to call out the winning number: 120717.

The guests all looked at their orange ticket to see if they won. Seconds passed, and suddenly, my daughter exclaimed, “That’s my number!”

All at once, the ladies at our table clapped and cheered as they saw that my sweet girl was the winner. With that, enthusiastically my daughter rushed up to the podium to collect her prize!

We were so surprised. Unexpectedly, something great came our way. It was a spectacular, unforgettable day.

This experience had me thinking: just as my daughter unexpectedly won the prize, I believe that unexpectedly God is going to bring something great your way. God has not finished His work. He has not done all He wants to do for you. There’s more… so much more to come! Remember, delays are not God’s denials. You have not missed your opportunity. God usually does things in uncommon ways and on a different time-table than you might expect. Your hopes and dreams are still possible. So continue on in faith. God has not forgotten you. He is saying to you now, “I have not given up on those dreams I placed within your heart…. and I don’t want you to give up on those dreams either.”

And so, press on toward your goals. Keep doing what’s right. Your time for victory is coming.

Suddenly, an opportunity may come to you that will launch you to a new level of success. “God holds success in store for the upright; He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.” (Proverbs 2:7).

Out of the blue, you could meet your soul-mate and the rest of your days will be blessed. “With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26).

Soon, your health can improve, and you’ll be stronger than ever before. “It is God who arms you with strength and makes your way perfect.” (Psalm 18:32).

Before long, difficult circumstances will change and transform wondrously in your behalf. For God will “act in behalf of the one who waits for Him.” (Isaiah

64:4).

And you’ll see surprising breakthroughs. “As for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles

15:7).

Therefore, don’t relinquish that dream of yours. There’s something special ahead for you. So do not give up hope. Let go of the failures, the setbacks and unfair situations of the past. God has a bigger purpose in mind for you, so just keep taking steps ahead and trust in Him.

Years ago, a friend of mine was in a terrible relationship. After she finally broke it off with her boyfriend, determinedly, she finished her education and became a nurse. With the hard lessons she learned from her previous relationship, she knew what she wanted in a life-partner, and even jotted down on a piece of paper a list of attributes she hoped to one day find in a husband.

Time passed, and my friend held onto the dream in her heart of someday being married to her soul-mate. She continued to enjoy her life, traveling, participating in hobbies and advancing her career. Some would shake their heads and say disapprovingly to her, “You’re getting older,” and “Your biological clock is ticking.” One person even uttered, “Stop being so fussy. There must be someone suitable for you to settle down with and marry!”

Those negative words hurt. However, my friend mustered the strength to ignore the remarks and was unwavering, as she plodded onward. “I paid no attention to the hurtful comments and insults,” she uttered. “I didn’t get caught up in defending myself and I avoided arguments. It doesn’t bring any benefit and just wastes time and energy.”

My friend told how she didn’t want just ‘settle’ for ‘less than’ the perfect mate God had for her. She asked the Lord to give her strength to see her heart’s dream come true, and thus, she remained patient, even though her prayers were not yet answered. For silence does not mean God is idle. Remember, it takes careful arranging and precise planning for God to line up the right people and right circumstances that are best for us.

Then, at the hospital, quite unexpectedly, one thing led to another and my friend met a wonderful man. They began dating. Six months later, they joyfully got engaged and a year later, were married. Today, they share a wonderful life together with their precious little girl, and my friend has had a second child.

Keep believing. You are close to your breakthrough. And soon you will see the blessing God has in store for you. You may be a few days away from the life you’ve always dreamed.

When all is said and done, you will ‘win’ the prize and have the victory!