Do I Have a Calling or Just a Dream? (Still Figuring That Out)
There is something in me that wants to create and build something of my very own – but I find myself often wondering… is this God’s calling or just my own dream? When I first started writing *Be Still & Get Creative* I started envisioning a whole list of ideas. More books, journals, merch, and maybe even a local community group, all with the purpose of sharing my love of creating and watching the Lord move. It inspired me so much… while also overwhelming me. I was determined to finish the book so I could look to the future of what I would do with the Lord. This was it – my calling! To share my stories and journey.
I could have published the book and called it a day. I was obedient and finished it, which was all I was asked to do. Instead, I looked to the future and built on it. I did a lot more steps and paid a lot more money to elevate the process because I just knew this was my launch into what was next, the opening of a door. But I quickly realized that our dreams and God’s callings are not always the same.
Now that’s not to say they can’t be the same. God places our calling deep inside us and some find it sooner than others. That’s also not to say He doesn’t honor our dreams and make space for them. Psalms 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” For me, the Lord checked my heart. Somewhere along the way, my excitement for the dream became more about the dream itself than the God who gave it. I started building with the hope that it would open doors for me—to be seen, to be known, to be successful—when the truth is, none of this was ever meant to elevate me.
The calling may have come from God, but I had started using it to create a platform for myself. And that’s when I realized: even good things can lose their purpose when the focus shifts away from the One who gave them.
I speak a lot about identity in my devotional and how I sought validation from others in my work. In a turn of events, I began seeking validation from others to feel worthy, special, like I had something to give. God called me out in my flesh and reminded me that this was all for His glory and no one else’s. We are called to obedience, not spotlight, and sometimes that obedience is quiet or unseen, but it’s still sacred.
“Whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” – Colossians 3:17
He doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called, and you ARE called. We were created on purpose, with purpose. Your job is not to make the dream happen, but to walk with the One who does. He will open the doors, give you confidence, and silence your fears. I got in over my head with the wrong intentions, but here I am starting over. I don’t know the answers or the timeline, but I don’t need validation from anyone other than Jesus. I am refocusing my eyes on Jesus and what He wants, and whatever He asks of me, I will do.
So if you’re standing where I was – holding dreams you aren’t sure are from the Lord, unsure if you’re called, or realizing your motives need adjusting – you’re not alone. I am walking it too. I’m still dreaming. Still creating. Still figuring it out. But this time, with my eyes fixed on Jesus—and my heart open to wherever He leads.
Heart Check
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Heart Check 〰️
The “Is This Me or God?” Check-In
Here’s a little heart work you can do this week— don’t overanalyze your dream, just get honest and invite God into it:
Take the Pressure Off
Write your dream down on paper… then next to it, write “open to edits by God.” You don’t have to figure it all, just stay close to the One who does.
Ask the Big Question
Take a moment to reflect:
Am I chasing this dream to lift Jesus high—or to be seen myself?
Would I still pursue this if no one clapped for it but God?
Pray Boldly (and Simply!)
“Lord, if this dream is from You, grow it. If it’s not, help me let it go without shame. I trust You with the outcome—even if it looks different than I imagined.”
Bonus - Celebrate a small act of obedience! It could be pressing “publish,” making a plan, asking for prayer, or even just resting. Faithfulness counts—even when it’s quiet.
