A close friend and I were talking about how much she’s grown over the past year. She’s been abstinent and placing her trust in God while navigating her current season of singleness. Her last three-year relationship ended in disappointment when the man she was with confessed he wasn’t ready for marriage. It didn’t take a bulldozer for her to realize that she deserved more. She understood that she needed to let go of what wasn’t working and aim for what she truly believed she deserved—a man who reflects her own desires and is ready for marriage.
She’s taken time to do the introspective work and strengthen her relationship with God, but it’s been almost a year since her previous relationship ended. She’s wondering how much longer she’ll have to wait. She’s experiencing what many of us go through: the frustration of waiting for something we deeply desire to materialize. During these times, we can’t let doubt and frustration rule our hearts, because they can drain the hope right out of us. Instead, we need to lean on the Word of God—it’s the fuel that keeps our dreams energized and our spirits lifted. As Romans 15:13 (NLT) encourages us, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” This verse reminds us that God is our ultimate source of hope and trusting in Him will fill us with joy and peace, even as we wait.
James 5:7 advises us to “be patient then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming,” reminding us that patience is crucial even when our dreams seem delayed. Romans 8:25 reinforces this by stating, “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently,” highlighting that hope and patience are deeply connected. Trusting in these promises, while holding tight to hope and practicing patience, is a vital expression of our faith in God. No matter how things may appear, we must remain confident that God’s timing is perfect and that He is working everything out for our good.
God deeply understands our desires and the frustration that can come with their delay. Proverbs 13:12 (NLT) perfectly captures this: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.” When our hopes are postponed or seem out of reach, it can weigh heavily on us, causing heartache and discouragement. Yet, the verse also assures us that when our dreams are finally realized, they bring a profound sense of joy and fulfillment, much like a tree of life that symbolizes growth and vitality. This imagery reminds us that even though waiting can be tough, the ultimate realization of our dreams will be rewarding and invigorating, reflecting God’s perfect timing and care.
The actions and choices you make in your current situation, no matter how challenging, are crucial in showing your readiness for the fulfillment of your heart’s desires. Every step you take, whether it’s staying committed to the standard of God’s Word, working hard, or being patient, reflects your growth and preparedness for the blessings to come. It’s like laying the groundwork for a building—you may not see the structure yet, but the careful preparation and work are essential for the eventual manifestation. By demonstrating faithfulness and endurance in your present circumstances, you are actively positioning yourself for the realization of your dreams. So, your dedication and perseverance are not in vain; they are preparing you for the day when your desires will come to fruition, aligning your heart and actions with the blessings God has in store for you.
It’s important to remember that preparation isn’t just about getting ready for the arrival of a blessing; it’s also about being equipped to sustain it once it arrives. Our Heavenly Father is a God of order, righteousness, and perfection, and His understanding far exceeds ours. As Isaiah 55:9 reminds us, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” While we may see only the immediate obstacles and opportunities, God sees the entire picture, including the future and the long-term impact of His blessings. His focus is not just on the moment the blessing arrives but, on our ability to manage it responsibly.
This means that the work you’re doing now—building character, developing skills, and cultivating patience—is crucial not just for preparing for the blessing but for maintaining and enjoying it over the long term. Proverbs 24:3-4 states, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” God’s plans ensure that we are not only ready for the blessing but also equipped to sustain it in a way that brings lasting fulfillment and honors Him.
God requires us to be good stewards of His blessings, and this involves more than just managing them well. It means keeping our relationship with Him as our top priority and remaining anchored in His truth, even amid temptations and tribulations. As we navigate life’s challenges, staying committed to our faith helps us honor God and ensures that we handle our blessings with wisdom and faithfulness. This commitment allows the integrity of His Word to guide our hearts and actions, shaping how we experience and share His gifts.
We may think we’re ready for our dreams to be fulfilled, but ultimately, God knows when we are truly prepared. We must commit to trusting that His timing is perfect and that He knows best. Trusting in His timing means believing that He is working to bring our dreams to fruition in the right way and at the right time. Psalm 37:4 (NLT) promises, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” This verse reminds us that while waiting can be tough, it’s a crucial part of God’s plan. Our patience is not in vain. God is aligning everything for our good, ensuring that when the moment arrives, it will be exactly as He intends and for our ultimate benefit.■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“A Dream Fulfilled” written by Kim Times, edited by Fran Mack and KLizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.