5 Faith-Building Steps to Move You Forward
You were walking in your God-ordained purpose, and then it happened. Your hopes and dreams were completely shattered. You are left devastated and discouraged. What now?
You can recover from shattered hopes and dreams. If not you, someone you know will eventually need your spiritual guidance with this frequently-occurring issue.
As you digest this Christian counseling for yourself, or to encourage someone else, be sure to note the relevant scriptural references.
3 True Stories
- A young man has dreams of escaping poverty. He uses his talent to break into the entertainment industry. However, his first performance fails. He is, once again, facing poverty.
- A 52-year old former teacher has invested her life in service to others. Sadly, on this day, she is arrested for trying to do the right thing.
- A young woman is engaged and planning her wedding. Everything changes when she discovers she is pregnant, and the child’s father is not her fiancé.
Who are these three people? Read below.
The young man is Tyler Perry, film producer, director, screenwriter, playwright, author, and songwriter. Also, a philanthropist, he has given millions to humanitarian causes.
The 52-year-old woman is Susan B. Anthony, best remembered for her role in the Women’s Suffragist Movement. The Susan B. Anthony amendment of 1920 gave all women the right to vote.
The young woman is Mary, Mother of Jesus.
We see how, in spite of shattered hopes and broken dreams, great things will follow. Here are five steps to help you heal from your setback toward greatness. Each step includes relevant scriptures to help you put your faith to work.
5 Steps To Recover from Shattered Hopes and Dreams
- Accept it. Your plans failed. You have shattered hopes. Accept the painful truth. But don’t stop here. This crucial step is the beginning of your healing process (John 8:32, Proverbs 3:5-6).
- Mourn the loss. Your dream meant everything to you. Take time to mourn your loss. Cry. Talk it out with a sympathetic friend. Journal your feelings. Pray. In time, you will feel better. Inspiration will return. Avoid coping with alcohol, drugs, and food. These will only temporarily numb your pain (1Peter 5:10, Psalm 30:5, Psalm 34:17).
- Renew your faith. Spend time nurturing your spiritual being. Susan B. Anthony grew up in a Quaker family. Tyler Perry is open about his Christian faith. Mary- you know the rest of that story (Hebrews 11:6, James 1:6).
- Bounce back. As soon as you can get back in the game, go for it! Keep repeating the three steps above while expecting your healing to occur. Speak positive affirmations to yourself. Ignore the voices of negativity (Mark 10:52, James 1:2-4).
- Start now. No more procrastination. Write down your goals and plans. Work on them each day. Because of your experience, you have become stronger and wiser (James 2:17-18, Jeremiah 29:11).
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Beautiful to hear about three people’s real stories of healing. We all struggle some time in our lives. With a New Year we can make some positive changes. I can see the five points working: Accept, Mourn, Renew faith, Believe you can bounce back, and Take the first step in the right direction. Sending encouragement.
Thank you Cecelia.
This is so encouraging and relevant. Thank you so much.
Thank you Faye.
Thank you Dr. Dean for your empowering and insightful blogs. I am inspired.
Thank you Virlin.