Every Christian need a dream. Most Christians start out with a dream, but those dreams tend to shrink to the size of the situation they find themselves in. That’s why we need to be stretched periodically.
Great things come from small beginnings when God is in them. But you need to start with a dream.
If you’re struggling to discover God’s dream for your life, group or business here are eight steps to dreaming great dreams.
1. Get Inspiration by opening your mind to God
God’s perspective is what will make your dream extra-ordinary from normal. Like men and women who wrote the Bible, were inspired by the Spirit of the Lord God.
“A man is a fool to trust himself! But those who use God’s wisdom are safe” – Proverbs 28:26 (TLB).
For this reason, your dream should begin with consulting God, enquiring of His will and purpose for your life. You do this by allocating appropriate time to sit down, get quiet, and ask God, “What is your will and purpose for my life?”
When you pray for God’s will, he will directly impress it upon my heart.
2. Acquire information by conducting research
After spending time in prayer, you need information to make informed decisions.
“What a shame—yes, how stupid!—to decide before knowing the facts!” – Proverbs 18:13 (TLB).
You need to ask yourself, “What do I need to know first?”
Then read books or listen to podcasts about, for example, the ministry you’re dreaming of starting. Visit churches that have that ministry. Attend seminars. Often there are experts out there who are simply a phone call away.
3. Seek practical experience by consulting experienced achievers
Speak to someone who has already done it, achieving success and have taken the risk in pursuit of a similar dream.
“If you have lots of good advice, you will win” (NCV). – Proverbs 24:6
The best you can do is to learn from experience of others practically not just theory. Learn from the mistakes of others and how to deal with pitfalls, barriers and rejection.
Pray that God leads you to the right people. Draw up a list of people whose success or achievement inspire and motivate you.
When God leads to the person, thank them and ask:
- What things have worked the best for you?
- How have you tried and failed?
- What would you do differently today?
Many times, when we’re struggling to achieve our dreams, we choose to fake it rather than ask for help. We fear that others will think we don’t know what we’re doing. But without the right advice, you’re going to appear foolish anyway. That’s why the best thing to do is humble yourself and ask for advice.
4. Establish some priorities so you can easily measure progress
For your dream to be great, you need to set an orderly plan like what do you want to achieve, by when, what resources will be required and how will you know that you are on track. This need to be done prior to launching your dream into action.
“Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth” –Proverbs 17:24 (NLT).
During this period, you maintain your focus on reading the Bible, Praying and Affirming your dream results.
5. Evaluate the cost so you can manage risks better
Take a calculated risk.
“Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God and only later counting the cost” – Proverbs 20:25 (NLT).
As you chase your dream, ask yourself:
- Is it necessary?
- What will it cost?
- Is it worth it?
6. Plan for problems because they do happen
Never ignore a problem. Why? Because a problem won’t ignore you. You will likely face problems as you set out to reach your great dream, but you can choose to meet those problems on your terms.
“A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them. The simpleton never looks and suffers the consequences” (Proverbs 27:12 TLB).
You got to ask yourself questions like these: “What can go wrong with this dream?” Then ask, “What will happen if it does?” The Bible says that kind of thinking is sensible and wise.
7. Be willing to take risks and face your fears—The Principle of Confrontation
We must face our fears if we want to achieve our dreams.
“Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety” – Proverbs 29:25 (TLB).
Fear isn’t a sign of a weakness. It’s a sign of humanity. Courage is moving ahead despite this fear.
I was terrified when I shared the Saddleback Vision with the people at our first service. But I also knew the safest place to be was doing what God called me to do. When you do what God is calling you to do, it will build your confidence.
8. Get practical by launching it now
Start doing it than being a talk shop or book writer. Once you’ve decided your dream is worth the risk, go for it.
“Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed” – Proverbs 16:3 (NLT).
Without letting go of the first bar. You need to come to the point in your life where you courageously reach for the dream God has called you to—despite your fears.
