How to Dream Brave With GodSample

Devotional

ALIGN

Many of us who want to dream and achieve great things for God love Him dearly. Yet, so often, our well-intentioned goals can become selfish ambitions.

Our desire to make a greater impact for God can so easily become a fixation on growing numbers and metrics. Our yearning to be a light on a hill can so easily morph into self-promotion and a striving to succeed.

Today, if you sense that you’re veering off course from the pure intents and motives God has for you, fret not. God desires for us to realign our hearts to Him, stay on course, and finish well.

In my last triathlon race, I struggled to finish the swim amid choppy waters and poor visibility. As the waves crashed over me, I pushed myself harder, only to hear someone on a canoe shout out to me, “You’re swimming the wrong way! Focus on the green buoy!”

I panicked. How did I swim so far off course? How much time had I wasted?

For a brief moment, I contemplated dropping out of the race.

But the sight of the green buoy and the voice of encouragement injected fresh hope in me. I swam hard. With tears in my eyes, I realigned myself to the race course, telling myself to finish strong even if I were last, since I could not see other participants in my race category.

What I didn’t expect was to finish seventh in my age category.

Friends, in our journeys to do God’s will in our lives, let us remember that amid life’s distractions, it’s normal to veer off course. When that happens, it can be tempting to succumb to overwhelming shame and defeat, and to simply quit. That’s the enemy’s plan!

Yet, by realigning ourselves to His heart and Word every time we feel ourselves stray, we qualify ourselves for a “crown that will last forever.” (1 Corinthians 9:25 niv)

Today, if you feel like you’ve somehow strayed from the course that God has given you, don’t panic. Don’t give up. If you sense His loving hand of discipline on your life because you veered away, realign yourself. Focus your eyes on the finish line. After all, your heavenly Father, like the man on the canoe, is cheering you on all the way to the finish line.

Reflection:

What are some distractions on your journey to fulfilling your dreams that have caused you to veer off course?

What steps will you choose to realign your heart back to His?

Response:

Dear God, I want to do mighty exploits for your kingdom. Yet, a part of me struggles with the temptations of pride and the allure of man’s applause. I tremble at chasing after goals that will not matter in the end. Would you realign my motives to yours and draw my heart closer to you? Help me finish well and finish strong, for a crown that truly matters. In Jesus’ name, Amen.