Today, I am linking up with Crystal Stine for Behind the Scenes!

I could easily go through a list of the hobbies I’ve tried, and the gifts I’ve used in my life (Don’t worry, I will spare you). They are all things I love and find rewarding. However, over the last 11 months I have found myself in a whole new place. Or should I say, “God has opened my eyes to new paths.” I’ve actually learned things about myself I didn’t know before.

I feel fulfilled and alive. I have finally come to the place where I know, that I know, that I know my suffering wasn’t for nothing.

Today, I wrote an email to another writer who I respect a great deal. At the end of the email, I wrote a sentence that, to me, means more than just a handful of words on a computer screen. These words hold truth.

The wilderness always makes the promise land so much sweeter (Click to tweet.)

I’ve been through the wilderness. I’ve army crawled before I could get up on my knees, I’ve crawled on my knees before I could stand, I’ve stood before I could walk, I’ve walked before I could jog, I’ve jogged before I could run, and finally found my way to the promise land. Sometimes, I moved backwards instead of forward.  Other times, I remained in the same spot before I figured out how to move on, but I made it.  You. Can. Make. It. Too!

If you read my blog yesterday, you know that the words of Jesus in John chapter 8 verse 29 penetrated my heart last weekend.

“… And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” (N.K.J.V.)

Yesterday, I used this scripture in context with difficult times relating to hardship. Today I want to talk about how it inspires me in a different way.

Sometimes dreams seem to take forever to realize, but where God has sent you He is with you! (What do you think… tweetable?)

If God called you to write, then write! He is with you!

If God called you to be a missionary, then be a missionary! He is with you!

If God called you to be a worship leader, then be a worship leader! He is with you!

I know that it takes time to put the pieces of the puzzle together. I realize that it does not happen overnight and that work is required to fulfill the dream. I also know that we are often made to recall past pain to fuel new passion!

Earlier this month I wrote about the struggle that started this new passion and how important it is to the fulfillment any God-given dream. You can read about that here.

I also want to add something else that I think many of us forget. Sometimes, we think we cannot work toward the fulfillment of our dreams because we have other responsibilities. You know… like marriage and motherhood!

Here is what I have learned…

1. I remember that my God is first and if He has called me then He will make a way. He is always with me!
2. I make sure my kids and family come before working to fulfill my dream. God gave them to me. They are a gift and precious in every way. They are included in the process of my dream and vision. They are not a hindrance. They are part of the foundation!
3. When it comes to my husband, this is our dream not just mine. We support each other. He is my biggest fan. We are partners in this crazy day-to-day life we live and our marriage takes priority every time.

Finding the proper balance will allow you to breathe easy.

A few months ago, I was having a day where I felt completely overwhelmed. All I wanted to do is write all by myself in a room. No mommy, no honey, no phone calls. I just wanted to do what I wanted and nothing else.

The Lord immediately brought something to my mind that changed my attitude. My husband and kids are my dream. They are the dream I am already fortunate to be living. And believe me, the kids part wasn’t easy to achieve. Paul and I struggled and suffered for them. We lived through loss, and more pain than we thought we could make it through. And, we would do it all again.

I was in danger of pushing one dream aside for another. I needed to make gratitude my attitude, recognize what God had done, and remember that my time in the wilderness led me to the promise land. This new dream wouldn’t be possible without the dream of my family becoming a reality. One dream has fueled the other.

I can never fulfill my dream on my own. It is only though Christ that I can begin to live it. And where He has sent me, He is there also!

Begin to give thanks for the journey that led you to your dream. Gratitude will naturally bring about balance, and balance will allow the process of fulfilling your dream to be a much more beautiful experience!

Are you struggling to find balance? If so, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Love,

Jennifer

PS: If you would like to find out how you can get my eBook Mercy Waits for free, click here.