Dreams, Shattered: Finding Hope When God's Plans Differ from Ours

Reality seldom turns out as envisaged in our dreams. We all have had shattered dreams – ideals and goals of what we believed were 'of God' that have ended up as smoldering ashes. The pain of unfulfilled hopes and the disappointment of plans that never materialized can leave us questioning our faith and wondering why God allowed our dreams to die. Yet in these moments of heartbreak, we are presented with a profound opportunity to discover a deeper relationship with our Creator and to understand that His ways, though often mysterious, are ultimately for our good and His glory.

The Choice Before Us

We have a choice – either become bitter towards God and pour out emotional poison onto those around or else honestly face the situation and grow by allowing Him to minister to our bewilderment and hurt. Turn to His loving arms and be transformed. Some dreams that don't become reality in God's time and way, appear to simply die as a seed falling into the ground that bears no visible fruit, yet as we surrender ourselves, and our hopes to Him they are changed into a better outcome.

When Dreams Seem Dead

If your dream or vision seems dead, give it back to God. He is able to resurrect it if it was truly from Him; if not, move on. David was told, "You did well to have this in your heart" when he desired to build a temple for God and was not permitted to do so (1 Kgs 8:18). Paul "was convinced that he ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus" and so embarked on a mission to eliminate the Christians. His misguided intent was shattered when he was arrested by the power of God and he was redirected to do the true work God had for him and "was not disobedient to the vision from heaven" (Act 22:3-21, 26:9-20; 1 Cor 15:9; Gal 1:13). He dreamed of taking the gospel to the most distant parts of the Roman Empire; that dream became his vision and shaped his values although to a large degree it was unfulfilled (Act 20:24; Rom 9:1-5, 15:23-29). God feels distress when His hopes and longings for this world are shattered (Gen 6:6; 1 Sam 11:15,35; Isa 5:1-7; Lk 13:34).

Satan desires to use the situations of life that don't go the way we would like to turn us away from God in hurt and disillusionment yet these are the very events that should drive us closer to the only real source of comfort. From the broken pieces we give to God He is able to produce something of beauty and usefulness. In our brokenness, He can minister to the deepest recesses of our hearts.

Now is the time to cling closer to Him

Beauty from Brokenness

Out of these painful life experiences, if properly handled and submitted to, comes a sweetness of spirit and serenity of maturity. The prophet Isaiah beautifully captures this divine transformation: "to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor" (Isa 61:2b-3). This powerful imagery reminds us that God specializes in redeeming what seems worthless and hopeless. He takes the ashes of our shattered dreams – those remnants that appear to have no value – and transforms them into something beautiful for His glory.

Although Naomi had experienced tragic loss she still was committed to God and was ultimately blessed beyond her wildest imaginations (Ruth 1:3-5, 4:16-17). Do not discard your faith and confidence in Christ – it will be richly rewarded (Heb 10:35). Reach out and find God in the midst of your pain.

Reflection and Application:

Consider a dream or vision that didn't come to fruition as you had hoped. How did you respond?
Are you holding onto bitterness towards God for unfulfilled expectations?
What broken pieces in your life can you surrender to God today?
How can you support others who are experiencing shattered dreams?