Dream: Getting Unstuck!

               To Get Unstuck--Change is Necessary."Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus" Hebrews 12:1-2It's easy to feel stuck, missing out on what your heart longs to do. Sometimes this happens because our circumstances and responsibilities keep us tied up for a season. But sometimes, we're stuck by what we tell ourselves.

I told myself for many years that I couldn't write. Didn't want to write. Preferred other ways to serve the Lord. Today, my fourth book arrived and I held this much-prayed over book up to the Lord as a praise offering. He stirred my heart to write encouragement, hope, and practical how-to's for women who struggle in their dating or married relationships.  I hope you'll rejoice with me and be blessed through it. You can order your copy through a bookstore, online at Amazon and Target, etc. or through my website: www.poppysmith.com/morelikeme.htm In my previous blog I wrote about EXTERNAL OBSTACLES, those people and circumstances that seem to have power over our lives. Because many people don't want to change what works for them in order to support your dream, announcing your desires and plans might be uncomfortable for them. Be prepared to face some disapproval and disagreement.A wise woman listens to what counsel she gets, looks at who is giving the advice, and prays for God's discernment and direction. But don't be put off by other people's opinions if you truly believe God has given you a DREAM that pleases Him. I would never have been a Bible StudyFellowship Lecturer if I had listened to a friend who didn't agree with how God was working in my life.In addition, check out this kind of negative internal thinking that keeps you stuck:

• "I can't. I've never. I'm not smart enough. I won't be any good. I'll look a fool, egotistical, discontent, ambitious, superior, rising above others, it's too risky, I'll fail, I'll feel stupid.
• It would shake up our family routine. Others would have to pitch in. I'm putting demands on them. I'm being selfish to disrupt their familiar way of life.

Does it matter what we think?  Absolutely!  WHAT WE TELL OURSELVES CAN ROB US OF THE JOY, FULFILLMENT AND BLESSING GOD HAS PLANNED. IT CAN ALSO ROB OTHERS OF THE BLESSING WE CAN BE TO THEM.   I know--my new book is living proof of how this truth has worked in my life, by God's grace.Question: What obstacles are you facing? Which have you overcome? How are you experiencing evidence of this? Would love to hear your comments in the box below.POPPY