- Faith Activist
- Posts
- How to Recognize When Your Desires Are Divinely Inspired
How to Recognize When Your Desires Are Divinely Inspired
Discerning God's Will in Your Dreams and Ambitions

As a child, I had a multitude of dreams and ambitions. I wanted to be a world-famous magician, a stuntman, a comedian, a rock star, and even a circus lion tamer. These aspirations, though whimsical, reflected the innate drives and dispositions that God had placed in me. But how do we discern whether our dreams are from God or merely whimsical desires?
It’s a crucial question because pursuing a dream that isn’t from God can lead to frustration and discouragement. Here are three filters to help you determine if your dreams align with God’s will:
1. It Will Ultimately Bring Glory to God
God created everything for His glory. Therefore, a God-given dream will ultimately bring Him glory. This doesn’t mean your dream needs overt religious symbols, but it should not reflect poorly on God. If a dream involves unethical practices or contradicts God’s Word, it is not from Him. Conversely, a dream that embodies hope, love, and peace glorifies God.
Romans 11:36 reminds us, "For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen."
2. It Will Benefit Others
God’s heart beats for people, and He prioritizes how we treat others over material success. Any dream that exploits or takes advantage of others is not from God. Instead, a God-given dream will seek to meet people’s needs, whether that’s writing a hopeful book, creating a helpful product, or becoming a foster parent.
Isaiah 1:17 instructs us, "Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows."
3. It Will Seem Bigger Than What You Can Handle on Your Own
God loves doing significant things through seemingly insignificant people. A God-given dream often feels too big for us to handle alone, which drives us to rely on His power. Whether it’s raising godly children, writing a book, or starting an orphanage, these big dreams highlight God’s hand in our lives.
Ephesians 3:20 encourages us with this promise, "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."
Reflect on Your Dream
Take a moment to evaluate the dream in your heart. Does it glorify God, benefit others, and seem larger than you can handle alone? If so, it’s likely a dream from God. Recognizing this can be daunting, but it also underscores the importance and responsibility of pursuing it.
A dream from God is not trivial; it’s vital and powerful. If God has given you a dream, pursue it with passion and dedication. Fight for it and trust that God will guide you through the process.
Your dream matters. Don’t ignore a dream God has placed in your heart. Embrace it, nurture it, and watch how God uses it to accomplish His greater purposes.
Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for more insights on discerning and pursuing God’s will in your life.
Reply