In my interview with Matt Keller, I asked him the following question, “If you could have coffee with your 20 year old self, what would you tell that Matt Keller?” Matt’s response was, “I’d tell him that everything you’re dreaming about in your heart right now will happen. So just relax. Enjoy the journey. Don’t miss out on so many important moments in your life because you’re so focused on building your dream.”
That was one of the most encouraging things I’ve heard in a while. In fact, it brought me back to when God taught me that specific lesson in my own life:
When I was single, I constantly worried about my relational future. Specifically, I worried about whether or not I’d ever be with Laura. I drove myself nuts. I wasted days, weeks, and months worrying. Finally, I remember God dealing with my heart, He said, “Doug, if I could fast-forward your life and show you a picture of your future wife and family, would you stop worrying about this and focus on what I’ve called you to do in this season of your life?”
I quickly responded, “Of course I would, God, can you show me that picture right now?”
He didn’t show me a picture, but He did say (speaking to my heart, not in an audible voice), “I love you and I want that for your future more than you do. You’ll be married and have kids. Stop worrying and start focusing on what I’ve called you to do.” I stopped worrying immediately and not long after that, Laura and I got back together, got engaged, and the rest is history.
I don’t know why, but I did not carry that lesson into some of the other dreams in my heart. I’ve been chasing dreams in my heart since I was 17 years old. If I’m honest, sometimes I take myself too seriously, I miss out on being present, and I forget to enjoy the journey. Why? Because I’m afraid if I don’t do X then my dreams won’t come true.
When Matt answered my question, I felt like God spoke the same thing to my heart. “Doug, all these dreams you’re chasing, they’re going to happen. Stop worrying. Stop taking yourself so seriously.Enjoy the journey. Trust me.”
So I’ll leave you with the same question that I asked myself after relearning this lesson, “How would you live differently if you knew the dreams in your heart would happen down the road?”
- What if you knew you would get married?
- What if you knew you that your kids would turn out fine?
- What if you knew that you would make it financially?
- What id you knew you would live a long life?
- What if you knew you would accomplish more than you ever dreamed you would?
Here are a few other encouraging scriptures and thoughts along these lines:
- Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. -Psalm 37:4
- And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. -Philippians 1:6
- “God wants you to get where God wants you to go more than you want to get where God wants you to go.” -Mark Batterson
Thoughts? Comment below!
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