By: Hazel Angela B. Javier

(Adapted from “Dreams, How to Have Them; Plans: How to make them; Goals: How to Reach Them” by Ken Gaub)

You may ask me what a God-given dream is. The dictionary meaning for a dream is something that satisfies a need or aspiration. Let me further this definition by adding the first principle that we have to recognize, that is, that God is the giver of worthwhile dreams. If you want to nurture and attain these God-given dreams then I invite you to read on.

Firstly, in order to give rise to these God-given dreams, you must acknowledge that being overcome by feelings of worthlessness and yielding to depression are ways by which you place limits on whatever good God has planned for you. As your dreams would most likely be conjured in your mind, do not let your mind become paralyzed by this sense of hopelessness. A paralyzed mind might just become your own worst enemy.

Realize as well that a continued feeling of growth and something meaningful that you will pursue is important. Nothing beats a positive attitude.

Knowing who you are makes formulating a plan a lot easier. In knowing who you are, start with a statement of your belief that you are a person of worth. As an individual created and loved by God Himself, you ought to believe this.

If you are still confused what a God-given dream is, just bear in mind that a real dream produces a confidence and an enthusiasm that is the outward reflection of a deep conviction.

Speaking of conviction, another word of advice is to examine your motives for chasing after your dreams.

So in reaching that dream, here are a few more tips:

1. Be unafraid. You have nothing to be afraid of if you make God your partner.
2. Don’t lose your sense of responsibility.
3. To further “concretize” your plan, it will be advisable to write your goals.
4. Set your deadlines so you more or less have an idea how long your dream may come into completion but remember not to rush God in the process.
5. Re-evaluating your goals periodically will also help.
6. Finally, do not be worried about changes that you might encounter.

Congratulations for having finished reading all these suggestions! But more than just reading, I hope you can learn these ideas by heart and use them when you yourself have decided to reach for your dreams. Know that God is always with you!