The Cost of Not Pursuing Your God-Given Dreams

I have read The Alchemist (by Paulo Coelho), perhaps half a dozen times.

Not because the book is remotely biblical or absolutely out-of-the-world. But because the theme, the characters and the plot development constantly urge one to seek, to pursue and not rest until you reach your Personal Legend.

What Triggered This Blog?

The past 2 weeks in Kerala have been really challenging. It’s one thing to meet your kin after 3 years, and another to relive every story they have been through.

Extended families are a complicated affair, more so when you are not living close to them.

It’s a new ambiance, new patterns of living, new dialogues (way different from what you were used to on virtual calls) and a full-blown one-on-one experience – that could be alarming (somewhat).

For, what can you say about a person, unless you have lived with them under the same roof?

Nonetheless, the purpose of this post isn’t to delve into human nature and its intricacies.

Instead, today we will be talking about dreams and what happens when you leave them midway.

Getting Back to the Alchemist…

There is this phase in Santiago’s (the protagonist) life where he starts living with a crystal merchant and working in his old shop. The merchant just goes through life one day at a time. He is least interested in developing his trade or renovating his workspace.

Dead and dreary, the days pass by, until one day Santiago, the guy with the big dream (of finding valuable treasure) arrives. Santiago turns the place upside down.

He comes up with new ideas to bolster the foot traffic and in a matter of days, trade flourishes.

Then one day, Santiago realizes that he has to move on. That though things were good, and he even got a raise, that wasn’t his dream. That he just couldn’t stay behind and expect to be content with the way things were.

He had a greater destiny.

What moved me wasn’t Santiago’s eagerness to set out and move on, despite the success he encountered. It was what the crystal merchant had to say.

Instead of stopping his lucky charm from moving on, he told Santiago to go ahead and pursue his Personal Legend, lest he end up like him, alone and dissatisfied because of fearing change!

What Happens When You Give up on Your God-Given Dreams?

Every human being (whether a believer or not) is born with a destiny. The bible calls it the greater purpose. Of course, as children of God we are called to fellowship with Him and that should be our primary motive, above all things.

Nonetheless, just like the unique DNA strands that build up our being, our purpose, our call, our dreams are different and unique to us!

Each one of us is wonderfully and fearfully made. (Psalm 139:14)

There’s something so unique about you that if you don’t put it to work, the world would lose out on the benefits.

And that’s what unfulfilled dreams do.

They frustrate the dreamer, deprive the beneficiary and block the blessings to come.

It’s one thing to wait on God’s plan, and yet another to refuse to move just because the plan doesn’t align with your expectations.

Like the grand design in the Alchemist, all life on earth is interwoven and interconnected. What happens at one place or point of time, slowly but surely affects another, at times even the generations to come.

Your refusal to pursue the dream, fear of change or lack of motivation has cumulative effects- reaching all layers of life.

Three Signs You Are Not Pursuing Your God-Given Dreams

Thanks, no thanks to my almost painful observations (cause believe me, it hurts to watch others who have given up) in the past few days, here are some warning signs that you are not pursuing your greater purpose in life:

You Vent It Out on Others!

Well, it doesn’t have to be a hungry snickers ad, but if you find yourself blaming everyone and everything other than yourself for the way things are, chances are you won’t be doing anything about it, any soon.

How do I know this?

Coincidentally (or rather by God’s design), I have been reading a book on mindsets (The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck).

When you have a fixed mindset, you are less likely to seize opportunities for change and will blame others for your setbacks instead of taking ownership and learning from the challenge to grow your aptitude (growth mindset).

You Toil but to No Avail

The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow to it. (Proverbs 10:22)

This verse has become my personal indicator to whether I am pursuing God’s way or my own design.

When it comes to God-given dreams, the Giver himself sponsors your tour. He pays for your ticket and makes sure that you reach the right place at the right time (favor).

But isn’t that unfair, Sany?

How so? Could there be anything easier than walking in the unforced rhythms of grace? (Matthew 11:28, MSG)

In the Alchemist, the author puts it as “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

For believers, there is no conspiracy, but just the still small voice, that leads you, guides you along the paths of prosperity and fullness.

You Live in “Constant” Fear

When you live pursuing your God-given dreams, you live inspired. Every day is a new adventure filled with 24-hours of do it, be it and get there.

There’s nothing that can stop you for His love empowers you and makes you bold, casting off all doubts and apprehensions. (1 John 4:18)

On the other hand, when you give up on those dreams, you don’t know what to expect next. For you surrendered the one thing that was certain – the promise of God which never fails. (Numbers 23:19)

So, now that you are out of the promised land, figuratively, you are at the mercy of whoever comes by.

There is protection and provision in the promise of God. When you give up the dream, you refuse to fulfill your part of the covenant, thus making void the promise of God.

Adieu to the Dead and “Holla!” to the Living

Indeed, it has been an eye-opening, heart-moving experience the past few weeks. And yet, am glad I could be here and watch for myself what dead dreams can do.

I am filled with new vigor and relentlessness to pursue my own dreams with new zeal. The bible tells us to “Be wise and redeem the time”. (Ephesians 5:16)

And that’s exactly what I plan to do.

What about you? Are you ready to pursue your God-given dreams? If yes, you will surely eat the fruit of the land. (Isaiah 1:19)

May His Spirit fill you with fresh life and quicken your mortal body as you set about to turn the world downside up. (Acts 17:6)

In Jesus Name, Amen!