Feed the fire of your dreams

“His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones”

— Jeremiah, 20:9 (NIV)

I recall the day vividly. I just finished reading Jeremiah 20:9. I started pondering how good it felt when I studied the Bible or wrote inspirational messages. Now that my talents, goals and dreams were clear to me, I had an understanding of the prophet Jeremiah’s words, “a fire shut up in my bones.” I realized that when you have a dream alive inside of you, it is like a burning desire.

However, that is just the beginning; fulfilling those dreams takes many painstaking hours of study, skill and perseverance. An artist in my household is an example of this. It has taken them many decades and has brought with it many twists and turns of new projects and directions, but that fire still burns passionately.

A dream is not only for a vocation or career. Parenthood can be a dream. There are several stories in the Bible that depict God giving couples, and even barren women, children. God can call you to raise up a child who can be a light in a dark world.

There are many who never step out to fulfill their dreams. It either requires too much work or they’re afraid of failure. I recently met a very successful Christian writer, who shared with me that for many years she never dared to dream her dream. Her motto was, “If I never dream, I’ll never be disappointed.”

But, one day, while watching a crusade for Christ, God caught her attention. She no longer suppressed her dreams; instead she started taking steps to see them through, and with much success.

Lack of self-esteem can keep us from reaching our full potential. Jeremiah had the same problem. He was called to be a prophet, but each time he tried to prophesy, he got stage fright. God’s instruction to him was, “Do not be dismayed and break down at the sight of their faces” (Jeremiah 1:17).

We all have a special purpose here on Earth that was preordained by God. Placed inside each of us is a desire to use our gifts and abilities so we can serve our fellow human beings. This is where our dreams originate; it is our destiny.

Don’t let rejection and disappointments hinder you from fulfilling years. Keep that fire burning. Regardless of your age or ability, it’s not too late to make your dreams come true!

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author of the book “Letters To A Friend,” speaker, life and writing coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com.