What are you dreaming about? I’m not necessarily talking about sleepy-time dreams, but the dreams and aspirations that drive you to keep on pressing, keep on pursuing.
Maybe you’re dreaming of becoming a doctor.
Maybe you’re dreaming of becoming a home owner.
Maybe you’re dreaming about the day you will become debt free.
Or maybe, like me, you’re dreaming of becoming a successful entrepreneur.
Just over two years ago, a dream was birthed in me to leave the comfort and security of regular employment, and launch out on my own. (you can read more about that here). Today, I am President of a small manufacturers rep firm, and I’m continually amazed at God’s faithfulness to me as I make this day-by-day walk of faith into the future I believe He has called me to. But some days … well, some days I just wish things would happen a little faster, success would come a little sooner.
That’s when I like to go back to a few scriptures that “re-center” my perspective.
“I will not drive them out in one year – lest the land become desolate and the beasts too numerous for you. Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased and you inherit the land.” Exodus 23:29-30
Here I am reminded of the simple truth that the success I am believing for must first be prepared for.
When I first started out, quite honestly I barely knew what I was doing. I’ve never Incorporated before. I’ve never been President before. And it took a while to quit viewing myself as an employee under someone else’s management, and grasp the truth that I was now Captain of my own ship. If it was going to happen, it was going to happen by my actions under the leadership and blessing of my Daddy God. It was also going to require more of me – more dedication, more humility, more discipline, more gratefulness, more leadership
“Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase.” Proverbs 13:11
In my Bible, there is a note that the phrase ‘gathers by labor’ could be translated in Hebrew to ‘little by little’. Not only does this tie the two scriptures together, but it reminds me that success done right takes time.
There are no short cuts to character building, and if we are dreaming God inspired dreams, we should expect that our character must be developed to increase in relation to the size of the dream we are pursuing. And that takes effort, energy, and yes … time.
Now one last scripture, and this probably my favorite.
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin…” Zechariah 4:10
Little by little. Success upon success. Start where you are, and keep pursuing that dream under the leadership the favor of the Lord. You’re gonna get there!
PuttingHopeToWork 