One day you’ll be living your dreams

If there were no obstacles in your path, what dreams would you implement? What if your potential were unlimited, what kind of life would you create for yourself and your family?

Memories play through my mind like childhood home movies. And I recall how years ago, when I lived in the inner city, I would drive about 40 minutes to the shoreline. I’d park my old car and walk along the beach and pondered on what my life would be. I loved the tranquility of the shore. And as I gazed out at the vast ocean’s horizon, as far as my eyes could see, I took a deep breath and wondered, “What lies ahead for me?”

My present situation appeared bleak, and it didn’t look like I’d have much of a future. I felt like the underdog. Webster defines it as: “A person or team that is expected to lose a contest or battle: a less powerful person or thing that struggles against a more powerful person or thing.”

I tried to never lose hope. Always persisting, with great faith, that God’s good plan for me would one day materialize according to His wisdom and will.

So along the water’s edge, mile after mile, I walked. I would listen to the cry of the seagulls as they soared overhead. With a heart wanting to help others, I’d pray, plan, and plot the course of my life in my mind. My imagination, taking me further than the challenging situation I was in at the time.

Each step I took on the sandy beach, I would affirm to myself, “I know God has a plan for me,” “There must be a purpose for all this,” and “This, too, shall pass.”

Next, in quiet trust, I ut- tered, “I’ll ignore the obstacles in front of me and keep my eyes on my goals ahead,” “I have what I need to succeed,” and “Today, I will lift up someone in need.”

On and on, along the surf, I walked, “Thank you, God for my life,” “I will be happy,” “I’ll keep trying,” and “With your help, Lord, I will turn my dreams into reality,” I’d say.

What was I doing? I was getting my hopes up by being in an atmosphere where I could dream. And it was those God-given dreams and sincere hopes for a better life that gave me the strength to carry on with my future. When I left my beach walk, I always felt more energized, focused and hopeful.

Maybe you set out for a life full of meaning, joy and purpose. But, then, like the succession of waves crashing upon the shoreline, you experienced one challenge followed by another. People may have hurt you, rejected or taken advantage of you. Or, your current circumstances do not look good. Then, similar to the tide, you recede; as you lose all hope that there will ever be brighter days ahead.

However, all is not lost. Regardless of what you’re up against today, there is hope beyond what you see. The obstacles that have been in your path are giving you everything that you need for the successes that will soon materialize. So let me encourage you: Don’t give up on your future. Your goals and dreams are not going to stop in defeat. They are going to conclude with God bringing you forth with victory.

Hence, hold fast and do not quit just short of success. God is going to use you in a great way. The time is coming where you’ll look up and see yourself living your dreams.

“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth….” (Isaiah 43:18-19).

Today, dear readers know that you are moving toward your heart’s special dreams. Good things are going to start happening. God is the business of using the underdog. Continue to creatively utilize your special gifts, developing, pursuing and making use of what you have been given.