God gave each of us unique gifts, talents and dreams for a reason – to use them to make the world a better place and bring glory to Him. Though we may face challenges and setbacks in pursuing our dreams, God can accomplish far more through us than we can imagine when we rely on Him (Ephesians 3:20). As children of God, we are called to do great things for His kingdom. Does this mean God wants us to have big dreams and ambitions? Let’s explore what the Bible says.
What does it mean to “dream big”?
Dreaming big means setting ambitious goals beyond what seems immediately possible, requiring faith and hard work to achieve. Big dreams go beyond seeking material success or fame. Examples include starting a nonprofit to address injustice, writing a book to share an important message, or inventing a product that improves lives.
Pursuing bold dreams for the right reasons honors God, but we must ensure our motives align with His will. “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). As we seek God first, He shapes our dreams.
God-given dreams vs. selfish ambition
Since we are prone to pride and selfishness, how can we discern if a dream is from God or our own egos? Here are three reflections:
1. Am I relying fully on God or myself? God-sized dreams require total dependence on Him. Self-centered dreams rely on our own abilities. “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1).
2. Am I seeking to glorify God or self? God-given dreams point people to Him. Selfish dreams point to ourselves. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
3. Am I acting in love for others? God’s dreams grow out of love. Self-seeking dreams focus only on our wants at the expense of others. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).
Examining our motives is key to discernment. When our dreams align with God’s heart, we can boldly pursue them.
Biblical examples of God-sized dreams
Throughout Scripture, we see God calling people to incredible dreams that only He could fulfill:
– Noah: Build an enormous ark to rescue humanity from a global flood (Genesis 6-9).
– Abraham: Become a great nation through which all peoples will be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3).
– Joseph: Save nations from famine and reunite his family (Genesis 37-50).
– Moses: Lead the Israelite exodus from Egypt (Exodus 3-14).
– David: Defeat Goliath and become king of Israel (1 Samuel 16-2 Samuel 5).
– Esther: Risk her life to save her people from genocide (Book of Esther).
– Mary: Bear the Son of God, the Savior of the world (Luke 1:26-38).
– Paul: Turn his back on his prestige to spread the gospel worldwide (Acts 9:1-19).
God fulfilled these unlikely dreams that changed history. What dream is He calling you to today?
God-sized dream principles
What principles for pursuing big dreams do we see in Biblical examples?
– Humble dependence on God, not self (2 Corinthians 3:5)
– Obedience and faith in God’s calling (Hebrews 11:8)
– Willingness to sacrifice and suffer to fulfill God’s purpose (Philippians 3:8)
– Perseverance through trials and setbacks (James 1:2-4)
– Focus on eternal reward versus worldly gain (Colossians 3:2)
– Desire for God’s glory over personal fame (1 Corinthians 10:31)
When we follow these principles, we can dream big with confidence and boldness, while avoiding pride or selfish ambition that could undermine God’s work through us.
Faithful steps to achieve big dreams
While some big dreams come to pass suddenly, more often God unfolds them through many small, faithful steps over time. What practical actions allow us to pursue grand dreams responsibly?
– Pray consistently for God to refine the dream and show you each step.
– Plan thoroughly to steward resources wisely and anticipate challenges.
– Start small by faithfully accomplishing what you can today.
– Build a team of encouragers who can support and guide you.
– Work diligently, avoiding laziness that could undermine great plans.
– Persevere through trials, recognizing God uses them to grow your character.
– Wait patiently on God’s timing, which may differ from yours.
– Remain open and flexible to changing course as God leads.
With this thoughtful approach, we can accomplish our big dreams with God’s help one step at a time.
Overcoming doubts and fears
Stepping out in audacious faith often brings up doubts and fears: What if I fail? What if my dream is too ambitious? Will people think I’m prideful or crazy?
Key strategies for overcoming doubts include:
– Remember God’s faithfulness in calling and equipping you (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
– Take thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
– Surround yourself with encouragers who can build your faith.
– Keep your eyes on Jesus, not the circumstances (Hebrews 12:2).
– Trust God’s strength in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
With childlike faith in our loving Father, we can defeat fears and doubts holding us back from pursuing His amazing plans.
Conclusion
God delights in taking the small, weak and ordinary and using them for great purposes. He calls us to play our unique part in His grand story – no matter how small we may feel. When we walk in humility, obedience and total reliance on God’s strength, He will accomplish more than we can dare ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
By dreaming big for God’s glory we find joy and purpose in life. His dreams for us are always far greater than anything we could conceive. May we faithfully steward our gifts and passions to fulfill the special plans He has prepared for us, and may He do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to His power!