Dreams Are Worth Fighting For

Meet the naysayers

Everyone with a dream encounters naysayers…people who belittle and try to quash the dream.

There are different reasons. Others may think the dream isn’t worth the time or is too risky. Too hard. Too unrealistic.

One of the most painful betrayals is when it’s someone who supposedly loves us. They might have a different dream for us. Or perhaps they think the time we devote to our dream is better spent paying attention to them and what they want.

Then there are those who support us — to a point. When the dream takes longer than they think it should, they mouth support and then give the “pity” smile. It doesn’t take a mind reader to detect they don’t believe you’ll achieve your dream.

Unfortunately, I’ve faced all of these kinds of naysayers.

Whatever the reason or motivation, it is THEIR reason and THEIR motivation.

The bottom line

Nobody is more invested in my dream than I am.

And it’s certainly helpful to have people who support and encourage and stay with me, no matter how long it takes, or how difficult it is.

But what really drives the dream?

Psalm 37:4 is: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

For a long time, I thought that verse meant if I love God and do what He wants, He would give me what I want.

Then one day, God gave me a different perspective, which I believe to be the correct one. (I know, it took me a while, but I think I finally got it.)

If I love and trust and focus on God, He’ll give me the dreams He wants me to have. In addition, God will make my heart want those dreams, and He’ll help me do my part to fulfill them. And Psalm 138:8 is the last piece: “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.”

My choice

Since I believe God gives me the dream, what’s my part to achieve it?

I must decide how to spend my time. Set boundaries. Stand up to opposition. Ask God to help me let go of the wounds naysayers inflict. And work — hard.

I love and trust God. He’s given me certain dreams, along with the strong desire to see them come true. I also believe He’ll help me do my part. And He’ll do his part and fulfill His purpose for me.

Even if others don’t understand. Even if people want me to do what they think I should. Even if achieving the dream takes longer than anyone (me included) thinks it should.

Every God-given dream is a piece of the plan God tailor-made for me.

I can’t get away from them. I don’t want to get away from them.

And I must always — always — ask God to help me stay away from people who belittle my dreams.

What helps you work toward your dreams?

Dreams Are Worth Fighting For — What helps you work toward your dreams? Share on X

Joni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.

May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.