Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark.

Today’s episode, “Waiting: When Dreams are Delayed” focuses on continuing the dance even when our dreams are put on hold.

Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.

Show Notes Waiting: When Dreams are Delayed

I’m a planner. Yep. I’m that person that has a multi-layered Google calendar, sticky notes on the frig, and a notebook in my purse. Also in my purse is every conceivable item I might need for any situation when I leave my house. I like to plan and have a plan at all times.

In that lies the problem. God has called us to live our lives by faith. And for His plan and purpose. Not mine. I really try to pray and discern God’s will but often what I think is of Him is instead of me. Insert a heavy sigh.

And that’s why my dreams seem delayed. They really aren’t, you know. I’m just out of sync with God sometimes. Or I plain don’t understand what he’s doing.
I’m sure you’ve felt the same way. When a job comes to an end, a relationship doesn’t work, or when your aspirations and hopes no longer seem to have the ability to come to pass, it might seem like a death. But maybe it’s only an interruption.
What can delay dreams? Often, we wait while:

We grow. God plants dreams in our hearts when we’re young, then begins molding and transforming us with the help of our environment, personality, and life experiences. I believe I loved reading and writing so much as a child because we moved several times with my dad’s job. The school and community library became a safe place I found in each new town.
We prepare. God trains us for our responsibilities. It sounds crazy but I learned to be responsible and accountable as a writer through our farm. Caring for livestock and two large chicken houses developed a business mindset and work routine that I still use today.
We learn to adapt. God is busy setting people in place to join us on our journey. Like a completed puzzle, we have a place alongside other pieces. Some are closer than others but all are necessary. The people who are at the dance with us are as essential to our dreams as the dance itself in the eyes of God.
We surrender. If we’re not careful, the dream can become larger than God, family, friends, and even the call of God on our lives. When the devil can’t slow us down from pursuing our vision, he’ll try to push us in the other direction. I’ve noticed this during different seasons of my writing journey. I’ve gotten too caught up in finding a publisher, going to conferences, etc., and then felt disappointed when my plans didn’t come to fruition. The keyword here is “my” plans. At some point, I’d taken “the wheel” of my life instead of following the plan and purpose of God. And I had to stop and surrender the dream all over again.

So, what about you? Have you seen dreams delayed? Or have some even died? If the dream was from God, it will come to pass in His time. Even if He has to resurrect it from the dead. He’s a big God and nothing is impossible for him.

Let’s pray: Father God, we lift our dreams to you today. We often feel they’re delayed because we can’t see the big picture. Help us turn to You during a season of waiting and to learn patience. We want to grow, be prepared, learn to adapt and surrender to Your greater will. We give you back “the wheel” and rest in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

God has given you dreams and He longs to take you by the hand and swirl you around the dancefloor of his plans and purpose. Next week, we’ll start a series on procrastination, an action that can delay or postpone your journey with Him.

Until then. Stay determined to dance.
Future topics include:
Procrastination.

Reflection and Prayer.

What will people think?

Continue to dance.