I have always had high aspirations. It started when I was 10 and I began to write books for the first time and imagined what my life would be like one day when my books were published and people knew my name. The vision grew and grew until when I was 14 and I encountered God in a new way and He showed me where He was taking me. Not in exact picture or detail but I knew what He was saying and since then I have always felt sure of my direction, even when life is hard, because I know His plan is being executed.
Naturally, there have been people along the way who have doubted the vision. They tell me to be more ‘realistic’ or to ‘lower my expectations’ or about how I’ll never achieve anything. Most of the time I am sure they mean it in a loving, kind way and are well-intentioned. They do not want me to be hurt or disappointed when my expectations fall through.
Something I have had to remind myself though, and am now reminding you, is that it is not through our own ability we are able to function but through God’s. My path, what I expect, it all comes from the God whom I serve. I do not want to be great, I do not want these incredible things, in fact I want nothing, if it is not from God.
And I truly do believe that the thoughts and expectations I have set for my life come from God. I do believe He is as invested in my ‘dreams’ as I am and that He will make a way 1000% better than anything I could have imagined. Not only because it is Biblical, but because He is God. I am not talking some prosperity bull crap but talking about real encounter with Christ.
I serve an incredible God and I am not willing to expect nothing more about of this life than mediocracy. Jesus came so we may have life and have it to the full. While this changes depending on the person and circumstance, I know what God has called me to. I know the ministry He wants to use me in. I know who I am in Christ and I know where I am going.
Sure, right now things are a little muddled and maybe I am not where I always thought I would be. Life rarely goes how we expect it but the beauty is that God is in control and I do not need to worry because He has it all in His hands.
I have just recently been feeling down and had even more people tell me to ‘get real’ now that I am getting older and I need to remind myself and others, I am not the one who created the universe. God can do what we believe is impossible and He has. I serve the God who raises the dead to life. He heals the blind and makes miracles happen every single day.
Just because someone has told you that you cannot do something, does not make it true. Yes God must ordain it, but never underestimate the power and strength of God who cares about our desires, sees our hearts, and makes a way in the wilderness. I do not want my will to be done, I want His. I want Him to be glorified and I am 100% sure, just as I was at 14, that He will make His name known through me and that through Him I will do kingdom buildings things.
Some Thursday night encouragement – never let anyone tell you your dreams are too big or unachievable. Our God is bigger than anything you can possibly imagine and if He listens to you. Through prayer and coming close to Him, you will find He can do all things and more often than not in greater, different ways than we thought.
God bless!
~ Ashley
P.S. Shoot for the stars folks!
A Light in The Darkness 