Inspiration or Aspiration?

Have you ever aspired to become a doctor or a famous singer or a star athlete? How about aspiring to build a million-dollar business or to publish a best-selling novel?  Maybe you aspire to pay off debt or be a better parent. We all have goals, ambitions, and desires.  Some ambitions are altruistic, and others are more self-focused.  For example, we may aspire to be more courageous, patient, or generous, and at the same time, dream about becoming an astronaut.  Humans like to make progress, to reach goals, and to dream about a better future.

But so many people are unhappy with their dream choices.  Famous, rich overachievers are often the most miserable people. We know people who start over and over in different careers, and others who change marriage partners like clothing.  We find ourselves losing sight of every childhood dream.

What happens to our aspirations? Why do we fail in reaching our goals and why are we unhappy when we do?  Why do we dream and plan only to wonder why we bother?

The answer is that we go about the process without God. We need to replace aspiration with inspiration.  Inspiration comes from God.  Aspiration comes from the world. God made us to be vessels of divine expression, and he knows us better than we know ourselves.  He gave each of us unique attributes and abilities, and he knows exactly how these qualities and gifts are best deployed.  When we rely on his inspiration to guide us in our dreams, goals, and achievements, we become the instruments he uses to remake the world, and this work brings us satisfaction and joy.  

In short, we were designed for inspiration and not aspiration.  Ask God to inspire you to dream about and accomplish the work he has already planned for you.  Trust him to lead you in even your most cherished dream.  The more you develop a godly attitude about your future, the more you will find fulfillment and joy in your everyday life.

Best,

Denise

God Cares About Your Dreams