“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12).
Unfortunately, when tragedy, pandemics, or other unexpected difficulties come our way, our plans change, and things we were looking forward to are canceled. When something very important to us keeps getting put off, our heart sinks. We wait. We hope. We pray. But nothing changes. Even our God-given dreams can get delayed month after month. Personally, I have had five trips and seven conferences canceled that I was very excited about. When each one gets postponed, my spirit groans.
But the Lord says that a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. When I began to realize that a large part of my ministry could not happen for at least nine months, I asked the Holy Spirit to give me new dreams. He obviously knew that all the troubles going on in the world would affect travel plans and other significant events. But He wants to continue to work in and through our lives.
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord upholds them by His hand” (Psalm 37:23-24 NLT).
A Moment to reflect:
If you're taking an honest look at your heart, are there any areas where you feel "sunk" by disappointment?
Have you been able to shift perspective and ask the Holy Spirit for new dreams? If not, what do you think has kept you from asking? Is this something you want to now do?
Take some time to journal this week about how God has continued to be at work during this time. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal ways He wants you to see Him at work.
By Sue Corl and Doug Kozub; an excerpt from For Such A Time As This: Walking Through Crisis *A moment to reflect is added for this post.
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