THE COURAGE TO DREAM AGAIN

Title: THE COURAGE TO DREAM AGAIN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Joel 2:25-26
Supporting Texts: Genesis 37:5-10, Habakkuk 2:2-3, Proverbs 24:16, Isaiah 43:18-19

INTRODUCTION:
Dreams and visions are essential tools through which God reveals His plans and purposes for our lives. However, challenges, disappointments, and setbacks can cause us to abandon these God-given dreams. This message focuses on rekindling lost visions and pursuing them with renewed faith and courage, knowing that God is able to restore and fulfil His promises.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF GOD-GIVEN DREAMS

Dreams are divine blueprints for our destiny and God’s purpose for our lives.

a) Dreams Reflect God's Plan
God often uses dreams to reveal His will (Genesis 37:5-7).

b) Dreams Require Faith and Action
Faith ignites dreams, but action brings them to fruition (James 2:26).

c) Dreams Can Face Opposition
God-given dreams often encounter resistance, but perseverance is key (Genesis 37:19-20).

d) Dreams Have a Time of Fulfilment
God’s timing is perfect, and dreams unfold according to His plan (Habakkuk 2:3).

Biblical Example:
Joseph’s dreams faced numerous challenges but eventually came to pass, positioning him for greatness (Genesis 41:41-44).

2. WHY DREAMS FADE OR DIE

Understanding the causes of abandoned dreams helps us avoid these pitfalls and rekindle hope.

a) Discouragement from Setbacks
Failures and disappointments can weaken our resolve (Proverbs 24:16).

b) Fear of Failure
Fear paralyzes action and leads to procrastination (2 Timothy 1:7).

c) Loss of Focus
Distractions and worldly cares can pull us away from God’s vision (Luke 10:41-42).

d) Unbelief and Doubt
Lack of faith in God’s ability to fulfil the dream results in stagnation (Hebrews 11:6).

Biblical Example:
The Israelites abandoned their vision of the Promised Land due to fear and unbelief (Numbers 13:31-33).

3. HOW TO REKINDLE YOUR GOD-GIVEN DREAMS

Reviving forgotten dreams begins with reconnecting with God and embracing His promises.

a) Return to God’s Presence
Seek God’s guidance and refresh your vision through prayer (Jeremiah 33:3).

b) Reflect on Past Promises
Remind yourself of God’s faithfulness and His Word (Isaiah 46:9-10).

c) Write and Revisit Your Vision
Document your dream and keep it before you for encouragement (Habakkuk 2:2).

d) Step Out in Faith
Take deliberate actions toward fulfilling the vision, trusting God to guide you (Hebrews 11:1).

Biblical Example:
Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem despite opposition because he rekindled his vision and trusted God (Nehemiah 2:17-20).

4. CHARACTERISTICS OF A REVIVED DREAMER

Revived dreamers exhibit traits that set them apart in their pursuit of God’s purpose.

a) Resilience in the Face of Challenges
They press on despite adversity (Philippians 3:13-14).

b) Unwavering Faith in God
They believe that what God has promised, He will fulfil (Romans 4:20-21).

c) Passion and Determination
They pursue their dreams with zeal and commitment (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

d) Dependence on God’s Strength
They rely on God for guidance and provision (Isaiah 40:31).

Biblical Example:
Caleb, at 85 years old, held onto God’s promise and courageously pursued his dream of possessing Hebron (Joshua 14:10-12).

5. THE IMPACT OF COURAGEOUSLY PURSUING YOUR DREAM

Following God’s vision for your life brings personal fulfilment and impacts others positively.

a) Fulfilling God’s Purpose
Realising your dream aligns you with God’s will (Ephesians 2:10).

b) Inspiring Others
Your testimony encourages others to trust God (Revelation 12:11).

c) Transforming Lives
God uses your vision to bless and impact others (Genesis 50:20).

d) Receiving God’s Reward
Faithfulness in pursuing God’s vision leads to eternal reward (Matthew 25:21).

Biblical Example:
Esther risked her life to pursue God’s purpose, saving an entire nation (Esther 4:14-16).

CONCLUSION:
The courage to dream again is rooted in faith and trust in God’s ability to fulfil His promises. No matter the challenges you have faced, God is able to restore and breathe life into your visions. Take courage, reconnect with God, and move forward in faith, knowing that He who began a good work in you will complete it.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, rekindle every lost dream and vision in my life.

2. Father, restore all the years the enemy has stolen from me.

3. Lord, give me the courage to pursue Your plans for my life.

4. Father, strengthen my faith to overcome doubt and fear.

5. Lord, help me to stay focused on Your vision for my life.

6. Father, remove every obstacle hindering the fulfilment of my dreams.

7. Lord, grant me the resilience to press on despite challenges.

8. Father, renew my passion and zeal for Your purpose.

9. Lord, use my dreams to impact lives and glorify Your name.

10. Father, let my life be a testimony of Your power and faithfulness.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. Your God-given dreams will come alive again.

2. The Lord will restore everything you have lost.

3. Fear and doubt will no longer hold you back.

4. You will receive divine strategies to fulfil your vision.

5. God will remove every obstacle on your path to greatness.

6. Your faith will grow stronger as you pursue His purpose.

7. You will be a source of inspiration to others.

8. The favour of God will accompany you as you move forward.

9. Your testimony will bring glory to God’s name.

10. The Lord will complete what He has started in your life.