Everyone has dreams and valuable plans for themselves. It is a part of our God-given nature to be optimistic and a sign of good mental health. Perhaps you possess a unique talent and wish to share it on a large stage. Perhaps you seek the highest position in your organization, one with a lasting impact. Or perhaps your dream is to have a family and raise your children in a loving and connected environment.
It can be terrible when our dreams do not come true. Oftentimes, our most cherished dreams appear so close, only to be abruptly yanked out from beneath us. Our artistic abilities go unnoticed, the desired job does not materialize, and the longed-for children never materialize. The dream that once drove you so hard becomes a painful reminder of heartbreak and failure.
Should Christians, however, mourn this dream? Yes, it is essential and an integral part of the healing process. It also makes room for God’s perfect plan for our lives. After you have grieved, a new day will dawn. You need only communicate with the Lord and ask Him to reveal your exciting and novel opportunities. Consider the following when contemplating our unrealized desires.
God has a plan, but so do we
It is helpful to realize that while you may feel like the primary architect of your life due to your dreams and plans, another architect does not make mistakes. This architect constructs something pleasing to God and beneficial to us if we are patient and obedient. When our dreams fade, we should express our sorrow to the Lord and ask for new direction and peace.
For instance, you could have a family friend who desired something simple, such as a loving family. Unfortunately, her husband’s infidelity caused her children to become estranged from her. She felt her dream had been shattered and was unable to mend it as she watched it slip away. Then, she converted to Christianity. Her family circumstances were sad, but she learned that she could do her best every day and that God loved her unconditionally.
God was aware of her situation, and His grace and mercy brought her peace. She concentrated on Him and the aspects of her life that made her happy, such as her friends, job, and church community. Her transformation astounded everyone, and she became evidence that God’s love is the most essential aspect of life. God has the plan to help us prosper and give us a future and hope, as Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us.
Others will still love you despite the failure of your dreams
You hold your dream in high regard, but remember that it does not define you. Bitterness is a common emotion when doors close, serving as a reminder that we are more than our dreams. God’s love for us is not based on our achievements, but on our spirit and eternal soul, which He created. Remember that when we are broken and failing, God loves us. When God’s mercy and love are upon you, you are blessed.
Typically, bitterness subsides when we recall God’s unchanging, intimate love for us in both good and bad times. The verse in Jeremiah 31:3 reminds us of the Lord’s love, stating that God loves us with eternal love. You should also keep in mind that your friends and family love you for who you are, not because you’re a “success” as defined by the world. Some people keep their sorrow bottled up, but it can be beneficial to express your sorrow to God and those who care about you. They may surprise you with their perspective on the situation, pointing out accomplishments and opportunities that you have overlooked.
Imagine you invited your parents to a school track and field day because you were confident you would win. You trained at every opportunity, and it appeared that you would win the race. You fantasized about the look on your parents’ faces and were overjoyed that they’d taken time off work to watch you race and win. However, you did not win and nearly came in last place. This desire to win was replaced by disappointment, pain, and humiliation. However, your parents are waiting at the finish line to express their pride in you. As a result of their love, your parents emphasized your success rather than your failure at that time.
Something better is on the way
As we mourn our unfulfilled dreams, we should remember that we cannot predict the future and therefore cannot know God’s will for us. God closes that door like a devoted parent who says “no” for the good of their child. He is omnipotent, so it would occur if He desired for us to have that dream. God, however, has a different plan that will fulfill our destiny and possibly the destiny of others. For instance, some loving couples who struggle with infertility adopt children. God is aware that both the child and the parents are complete.
Once we’ve mourned the loss of our hopes and dreams, we ought to rejoice in the fact that God has surrounded us with a fence of protection. Since God is active in our lives, we must express gratitude to Him. What if the dream is still alive? is an additional thought to hold on to. Perhaps God is allowing it to simmer a little longer and will eventually permit it. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that everything has its time and place.
We cannot see the future as God does, but if we put our love for Him above our earthly dreams and put our trust in Him, He will shape the clay of our dreams into a beautiful work of art. God sent His son to live among us and experience emotions such as grief and loss. Who better than God would understand your sorrow and help you overcome it? When you want to mourn your dreams, keep in mind that God’s plan is superior to anything we could devise.
