“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT)
November is my birthday month, and as I approach my “40-something” birthday, I have been thinking about all of the things I still want to do in life. I’m not talking about the items still on my “Bucket List,” but rather the things I feel that God has called me to do.
He has put dreams in my heart that I’ve journaled about, prayed over, and treasured, but never yet accomplished. As I looked over that list this weekend, I started to panic a little, wondering if I was too old to accomplish all of the items yet to be checked off.
But God reminded me through one of the speakers at the Indiana Faith and Writers Conference, where I was also speaking this weekend, that God is in control, and that he has written our lives with twists and turns and meaning.
Therefore, if he is the writer, I don’t have to stress over those “unchecked off items” or those unwritten pages because I trust him.
If we’re being honest, probably all of us have dreams we haven’t yet realized, but here’s what God reminded me of this weekend–it’s not too late!
No matter your age, you’re not too old to fulfill the plans that God has for your life. The parade hasn’t passed you by. You haven’t missed the boat. You’re not too old!
And, neither am I!
Did you know that Grandma Moses did not start painting until she was 76 years old? Without any art classes or special training, she painted beautiful, simple, realistic pictures of rural settings–paintings that are of historic importance.
And, Colonel Sanders was well over 60 when he made it big with Kentucky Fried Chicken. Prior to that, he simply operated a service station in Corbin, Kentucky, where he also served food (on a much smaller scale) to hungry travelers.
And, what about Ronald Reagan? Sure, he was an accomplished actor early in life, but he didn’t become the President of the United States until he was 69.
Look at Sarah in the Bible! She didn’t have her son of promise–Isaac–until she was very, very old. Sarah had given up on having her own child, but God hadn’t given up on fulfilling her dream and using her to bring Isaac into the world.
So, what dreams has God placed inside you? Is it to write a book? Teach Bible study? Go on a mission trip? Start your own business? Further your education?
This past weekend was a time of rekindling my dreams and reminding myself that God will bring forth those dreams in His perfect timing, so I want to encourage you to rekindle your dreams, too.
Whether you feel like you’re too old, or too young, or unqualified, or too busy, or whatever your insecurity–ask God to change your perception of yourself.
He wants you to realize your dreams because he’s the One who placed them on the inside of you. Spend some time today meditating on whatever dreams are still on your “unchecked off list” and commit to pray over them every day until they are realized.
It’s not too late, and God is always on time.
Pray this with me:
Father, thank you for placing such big dreams in my heart. Sometimes when I think about those dreams, I get nervous that I might never fulfill them. Help me to believe, Lord. And, help me not to miss any open door or any opportunity that you have for me.
I love you, God, and I am so thankful that you are the one who is writing my life with twists and turns and meaning. In the Mighty Name of Your Son, Jesus, Amen.
