Faith & Life: When Dreams are Deferred
Do you stop or keep going?
by Joanne Troppello
“What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or does it explode? – Langston Hughes
It’s likely that you’ve had dreams that have not come to fruition yet. Maybe God’s placed a dream on your heart, but you’ve been waiting and praying and waiting and praying for a long time. I totally understand those feelings you’re likely feeling of desperation, frustration, and feeling uninspired.
My husband and I have been waiting years for answers to our hopes, prayers, and dreams. Thankfully, we’ve grown together and not apart during this time of waiting. However, I do admit that there are days when those dreams are deferred that I feel like giving up.
That’s when the Holy Spirit always brings encouragement to my heart in some way. Maybe I’ll read an encouraging word on social media or hear something inspiring on TV. God might impress it on a friend or family member to send a positive text to me.
No matter what, I know that God still loves me. I don’t know where you’re at in your walk with the Lord—or maybe you don’t yet have a relationship with Jesus as your Savior. I pray that one day soon, you’ll see that salvation in Jesus is the only way to Heaven.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Coping with Deferred Dreams
The most important way I cope with deferred dreams is to know without a shadow of doubt that my future home is in Heaven and I am only passing through this earth. My name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
“He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” – Revelation 3:5, NKJV
The other way I cope with deferred dreams is to take time to myself in prayer and Bible reading—whether sitting or walking outside or in the comfort of my home.
“I will meditate on the glorious splendor or Your Majesty, and on Your wondrous works.” – Psalm 145:5
I wrote the following poem several months ago about the refreshing of the earth that comes from the rain, but also symbolizing the times of refreshing in the Lord.
New Sun Rising
Refreshing the earth
Water drops
sprinkle the parched soil
after an evening
of heat,
refreshing.
Damp mist
follows the long shower
awakening an aura
of light,
sun rising.
© Joanne Troppello
How do you cope with deferred dreams?
About the Author
Joanne Troppello is an author, writer, and poet. She is the publisher of the online Christian lifestyle magazine, Mustard Seed Sentinel.
Connect with Joanne on Twitter. You can find Joanne on these social media channels—Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Parler, Spreely, and Clouthub—with the same username, @JoanneTroppello. Visit the Mustard Seed Sentinel YouTube Channel.
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