In Full Pursuit of the Unexpected Dream
She was too young and inexperienced to know what was happening.
But He knew.
She thought she was there just for her good looks.
But He had a better plan.
She believed there was no future waiting for her.
But He was just waiting for her to take that first step of faith.
Each of these women faced an unexpected turn of events that changed the very direction of their lives. And in turn the lives of many generations to come.
We’re not told what goals these ladies initially had in mind, but we do know that God stepped in with a different plan.
Mary had her world turned upside down.
Esther was separated from her family and people.
Ruth lost just about everything and had to start over.
Doesn’t look like the stuff that dreams are made of, does it? Not the good kind of dream anyway.
Yet, in the midst of their turmoil, God was weaving a better plan.
Their worlds were upended but their dreams were only just beginning.
Maybe you can relate to having your dreams tossed about.
Perhaps the dream you’re pursuing now isn’t the one you wanted.
What can we learn from these women that will encourage us to pursue the dreams God has dropped in our laps?
Lessons on Passion and Purpose from Mary, Esther and Ruth
1. It begins with trust
These women didn’t have the benefit of seeing the final outcome of their lives, but they knew a God who did. They couldn’t see what the future held but they still put their trust in Him.
We might even say that in Ruth’s case, it was a blind kind of trust. She was so desperate for a new beginning that she leaned on the God she came to know through her mother-in-law. Talk about faith and trust!
How’s your trust?
Are you trusting God when life doesn’t go the way you plan?
2. Surrender is a choice
I don’t know about you but when life takes an unexpected turn, surrender is the furthest thing from my mind.
Sadly, I lose a lot of time whining (and crying) over the path I think I should be on.
When Mary found out that God was going to do the impossible in her life, her response was priceless.
“I am the Lord’s servant.” Luke 1:38
Not only did she accept God’s plan, she also embraced it. God’s dream became her dream.
How’s your surrender?
Have you embraced the dream God has put before you?
3. It’s all about the Walk
It sounds well and good to say that we trust God and are willing to surrender to him. But at some point, our actions have to show it.
Esther might’ve felt unprepared and unqualified for the task at hand but she and her people fasted and prayed. Esther knew that surrender wasn’t just a feeling. Surrender has to be supported with appropriate action.
And back it up she did. Esther did the bold thing and risked her very life, trusting the outcome to God.
How’s your walk?
Are you showing up with everything you have?
Is your surrender only on the inside? Or does it show that you’ve fully handed over your plans and your life to God?
Mary, Esther, and Ruth all trusted God, surrendered their lives to Him, and fully pursued their new purpose.
I pray that our encounter with them today has inspired you to trust, surrender and walk fully in your new purpose too.
And may your life of purpose impact others now and for eternity. All to God’s glory.
Wishing you blessings!
About the author:
Marva is an island-living, sun-loving Christian wife and mother. Inspired by John 10:10 she encourages women to slow down and enjoy life to the full, brilliantly. You can find all the latest sparkle on her blog SunSparkleShine as well as Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram. Get a free copy of her e-book You Were Made to Sparkle when you sign up for her Sparklelights newsletter here.