Resurrected Dreams: Finding Hope Again

Seasons of Hope Deferred

Life is a mix of thrilling highs and challenging lows. We experience seasons when our dreams are alive and thriving, but we also encounter times when hope feels distant. Proverbs 13:12 tells us, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." For many, the path to realizing dreams involves navigating the difficult terrain of disappointment, often making our aspirations feel like dry bones in a valley. If you're currently in such a challenging place, remember: God has not forgotten the dreams He has planted in your heart!

Understanding the Valley of Dry Bones

The powerful imagery in Ezekiel 37 paints a picture of a valley filled with dry bones. This scenario serves as a metaphor for feelings of hopelessness and loss. When God asked Ezekiel, “Can these bones live?” He was directly addressing the deep yearning many of us experience when our dreams seem out of reach.

Often, when hope feels deferred, it can lead to a period of spiritual dryness. You may feel overwhelmed with discouragement, questioning your abilities and decisions. If we are honest, most of us have experienced seasons of discouragement or hopelessness in our lives. Yet, this passage isn't just about despair; it's about restoration and the promise of new beginnings.

The Power of God to Bring Life

In times of hopelessness, God reminds us of His ability to breathe life into our dreams. He instructed Ezekiel to speak to the bones, and, as he did, they began to come together and live again. This narrative vividly illustrates that the act of restoration often requires our initiative.

Consider what "speaking" to your dreams might mean for you. It could involve:

• Praying for clarity about your goals, providing a direct line to seek guidance.

• Taking small steps toward your dreams, even when it feels daunting. For instance, if you aspire to write a book, start with a daily word count goal.

  
  

• Surrounding yourself with positivity through friends and community events. Studies show that supportive relationships increase the likelihood of achieving personal goals by up to 30%.

  
  

Sometimes, our dreams feel dormant because we haven't taken action to nurture them. Just as God revived the dry bones, He can revive the dreams that lie sleeping in your heart.

Hope as the Tree of Life

The second part of Proverbs 13:12 states, "but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." This evokes the image of hope as a thriving entity, capable of growing despite hardships. Like a tree that roots itself firmly in nourishing soil, our hopes should be grounded in faith and perseverance.

Experiencing fulfillment is like a tree producing fruit that nurtures our lives with joy and abundance. When we act in faith, even in difficult times, we set the foundation for future achievements.

Steps to Resurrecting Your Dreams

1. Reflect on Your Dreams

   Take time to assess the dreams you may have set aside. Write them down. Are they still meaningful to you? If you still yearn for them, commit these dreams to your heart.

   
   

2. Create a Dream Board

   Visual aids can be incredibly motivating. Gather images or words that represent your aspirations and create a dream board. This visual reminder will inspire you daily to pursue your goals. For more help with this check out my Pathways to Possibilities: Dream Life Planner in the Books Section.

   
   

3. Seek Community Support

   Sharing your dreams with others is vital for their growth. Connect with groups or partners who share similar goals. Accountability can be a tremendous motivator during challenging times. Consider joining a weekly Winners Circle under the Coaching Section.

   
   

4. Pray with Expectation

   Never underestimate the power of prayer. Bring your desires before God and listen for His direction. Approach Him with the expectation that He will guide you, as He takes pleasure in restoring hope!

   
   

Finding Strength in Community

You are not alone in your journey. Connecting with others can provide comfort and companionship during tough times. Many people have found strength by joining support groups, both locally and online. Get involved with your local church care groups, join one of my weekly online coaching groups or get involved in other ways in your community.

Sharing your experiences can shift your perspective. You might discover that others are on similar paths, offering encouragement and support. Being part of a community can greatly motivate you to push through hard times and revive your spirits.

Keeping Focused on the Promise

In moments of weakness, remember the promises God has made. He assures us that He is always present, and His plans for us are good. Just as Ezekiel witnessed the transformation of dry bones into a living army, we too can experience resounding revival.

Every season of waiting holds a purpose. When you feel weighed down, remember that resilient trees grow stronger through life’s storms and that seasons of dormancy prepare the tree for seasons of bearing fruit and new life. Remember, our dreams might be dormant but they are not dead. Our lives flourish through faith, patience, and by trusting in the God who still raises dead things back to life.

Moving Forward with Hope

If you find yourself in a valley of dry bones, feeling lost, take heart. Hope deferred does not mean hope is forever lost. God is waiting to breathe life back into your dreams and offer you a future brimming with hope.

Believe that nothing is impossible with Him. Engage actively with your aspirations, seek support, and stay anchored in faith. Your dreams can rise anew. Keep dreaming, keep hoping, and trust that the process of resurrection is underway. The tree of life awaits you!