Article by: Sarah Koontz, Founder of Living by Design Ministries
It’s 6:20 am, and I am halfway through my first cup of coffee. I slept poorly last night, but I am not surprised. Today is the beginning of a new season in my life, and I am certain that is to blame for my restless night. I can’t seem to think straight this morning; my mind is spinning at the potential that lies within this new day.
I wonder if my husband is awake yet. I tiptoe through the laundry room to peek around the corner into our bedroom. Nope. He’s still sleeping.
I turn to leave and promptly collide with the corner of the door frame. Darn! Coffee in my hair, on my pj’s, on the floor. Figures.
I clean up the best I can and return to my laptop computer. As I sip on what is left of my coffee, I tell myself for the thousandth time that I am ready to realize my dream of becoming a writer.
I know in my heart that if I am relentless in the pursuit of my dreams, one of two things will happen. I will either achieve that which I seek, or the Lord will use one dream to lead me to another.
I have always been a dreamer, constantly fighting the urge to live my life 10 steps ahead of where I am today.
My most cherished dreams are sleeping in the next room, and today is their first day of school for the year. I am beyond excited for them and say a quick prayer that they will grow up to be dreamers too.
I hear the TV click on in the bedroom and simply cannot stand being alone with my thoughts for a moment longer. I open the door and grab a new shirt to replace my coffee stained one. Then I jump on the bed and apologize to my husband for being so very awake and full of words at this ungodly hour.
Eternally, he forgives me.
Our conversation is cut short by the familiar ding of my cell phone. It’s not even 7:00 am, who would possibly be sending me a text so early?
It’s my dad, how sweet! His message: “This is a milestone day in the life of my daughter. Both of her children will be attending school all day beginning today. She is now entering another and different season of her life. -Dad”
That confirms it. The seasons truly are changing for me, and I simply must make the most of it. I will finally have time to pursue my passion for words.
I feel a bit out of sorts. What if I fail? What if I get so consumed in the pursuit of this dream that my health or my family begin to suffer? What if I am mistaken……
But, then I remember this truth: God has plans for me. He knows what they are. They are plans for good. He has hope for my future, and so must I! If I am humble, if I daily surrender to Him, then I cannot misstep.
He is faithful. He is my heartbeat. He will guide and sustain me.
If I love to write, it is only because He gave me a love for writing. If I desire to use words to touch the lives of others, then He must give me the words. My job is to do that which He has placed upon my heart, nothing more and nothing less. The results of my actions are in His hands.
Success or failure are not mine to determine. I must simply write…..every day……for His glory….
Are you ready to enter a new season of life? One where you fearlessly pursue the dreams that lie within your heart. Do you fear what lies ahead?
Let me say a prayer for us today. Because prayer has the power to change everything!
“Father in heaven, You are good. Thank you for the beauty that each new season brings.
I am fearful. Worried I will miss the plan you have for me. But I choose to believe that you are bigger than all my fears.
I am hopeful. Excited to explore the possibilities of this new season. But I choose to surrender my will for the sake of Your own.
I am insecure. Consumed by thoughts of failure. But I choose to accept the possibility of failure for the sake of Your glory.
I am not alone. My friend is feeling the same things today, will you comfort us? Will you strengthen us for what lies ahead and give us direction for this day? Teach us patience and gently remind us of our need for You above all else.
Thank you for the beautiful plan you have for my life. I often feel like I am stumbling and faltering at every turn, but You are the great artist. You are painting my life into a masterpiece, and someday I will see the purpose behind each brushstroke.
Thank you, also, for my friend. For having a beautifully unique plan and purpose for their life. Help them to see the creativity and audacity in Your design for their life. Create within them a unquenchable desire to pursue the dreams You have formed within their heart.
Whatever lies ahead, we choose to trust You with our lives. We surrender our fears, hopes, and insecurities into your capable hands on this day.
Thank you for loving us and for the beauty that each season of life holds for us when we choose to trust You. ~Amen
Now that I’ve shared my hopes, fears, and prayers for this new season with you, it’s your turn to do something for me.
It’s time for you to take action.
It can be scary to put words to your dreams. But, I challenge you to be brave today! Set aside your fear of failure, and claim the dreams that are stirring within your heart.
Let today be the beginning of a new season in your life. A season where you fearlessly pursue the dreams that God has placed within your heart. If you are feeling extra brave, take a moment to share your dreams with me in the comment section below.
Let me lock arms with you on this journey; accept my words of encouragement and take a bold step out in faith today. Your dreams are worth the risk!
