Submit Your Dream | Stephen Prado

Prayer and Introduction

Opening Prayer

• The speaker begins with a prayer, asking for guidance and practical insights as they study the word of God.

Scripture Reading

• James 4:13-17 is read, emphasizing the uncertainty of life and the importance of acknowledging God's will in our plans.

Message Title: Submit Your Dream

Concept of Surrender vs. Vision

• The title "Submit Your Dream" highlights that many Christians struggle not with vision but with surrendering their dreams to God.

• The cultural mantra "follow your dreams" is critiqued as unbiblical, suggesting it leads people away from God's purpose.

Pursuit vs. Purpose

• Many individuals pursue personal success while neglecting their divine calling, leading to feelings of emptiness despite material wealth.

• The speaker notes a disconnect between career advancement and spiritual fulfillment among Christians today.

Understanding Purpose

Life's True Meaning

• Questions are raised about life's purpose beyond mere existence—working, eating, and sleeping.

Competing Plans

• When personal plans conflict with God's purpose, it can lead to burnout; understanding one's design is crucial for fulfillment.

Dreams vs. Divine Design

Nature of Dreams

• Dreams are described as seasonal and negotiable, often driven by personal desires rather than divine assignment.

Purpose Assignment

• Unlike dreams which we choose, purpose is assigned by God; one’s true calling may differ from personal aspirations.

God as the Potter

Biblical Analogy

• Isaiah 64:8 illustrates that humans are like clay shaped by God (the potter), emphasizing submission to His design.

Following God's Design

• The analogy stresses that clay cannot dictate its form; similarly, humans must accept their divinely intended roles without resistance.

Limitations of Personal Aspirations

Misaligned Desires

• Individuals may dream beyond their design (e.g., wanting to fly), but such aspirations can lead to frustration if they contradict divine intent.

Natural Abilities

• Just as birds naturally fly and fish swim without training, humans should operate within their designed purposes for ease and effectiveness.

Stress from Misalignment

Operating Beyond Design

• Many feel anxious or pressured not due to life's hardships but because they act outside God's intended design for them.

Need for Realignment

• Instead of motivation alone, individuals may need realignment back into their divine purpose when feeling overwhelmed or lost.

Effort vs. Direction

Sweat Doesn't Guarantee Progress

• Physical effort does not ensure progress if actions are misaligned with one's divine design; direction comes from following God's plan.

Examples from Scripture

• Biblical figures like Moses attempted to escape their callings but ultimately could not change what God had designed for them.

Fulfillment through Divine Purpose

Importance of Presence

Success without fulfilling God's purpose leads only to temporary satisfaction; true fulfillment comes from aligning with His will.

Samson's Story

• Samson pursued pleasure over his calling which led him away from his true strength found in obedience to God’s plan.

Seeking Blessings vs. Pursuing God

Prioritizing Relationship Over Ambition

• People often chase blessings instead of pursuing a relationship with God; blessings follow those who seek Him first according to scripture.

Reversing the Order Leads to Exhaustion

• When individuals prioritize ambitions over faithfulness to God’s calling, they experience fatigue and disillusionment in life pursuits.

Conclusion on Divine Alignment

Commitment from God

• Emphasizes that when pursuing God's purpose rather than personal dreams alone, He commits Himself fully towards sustaining one’s future.

Understanding Heartbreak and Commitment

The Nature of Heartbreak

• The speaker discusses the emotional pain of heartbreak, emphasizing that it often leads individuals back to past relationships or commitments.

• Acknowledges the tendency for people to seek God only during difficult times, highlighting a disconnect between personal planning and spiritual reliance.

Observations on Attendance

• Reflects on how many attendees first discovered the church through online services before attending in person.

• Points out that while physical presence is important, true commitment may be lacking despite being present at services.

Shifts in Priorities

• Questions whether there has been a change in service priorities over time, suggesting that individual priorities have shifted away from spiritual commitments.

• Reminds congregants of their initial eagerness to serve God and how responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming.

The Sacrifice of Service

Serving with Sacrifice

• Emphasizes that serving God requires sacrifice, which some may forget once they become involved in ministry roles.

• Discusses how attendance patterns have changed, with some prioritizing outings over Sunday worship.

Eagerness vs. Complacency

• Highlights the contrast between those who are eager to worship versus those who may choose leisure activities instead.

• Suggests that while church services remain unchanged, individual eagerness and commitment have diminished.

Understanding Backsliding

Causes of Backsliding

• Defines backsliding not as outright rebellion but as neglecting previous commitments and responsibilities towards God.

• Cites James 4:13–14 to illustrate the uncertainty of life and the importance of recognizing one's lack of control over future events.

Life's Uncertainty

• Uses metaphors like "mist" to describe life's fleeting nature, urging listeners to acknowledge their dependence on God's will for tomorrow's plans.

Planning with Purpose

The Illusion of Control

• Discusses how people often plan without considering God's role or permission in their lives.

• Critiques self-directed planning based solely on personal ambition without seeking divine guidance.

Trusting God's Timing

• Warned against assuming success based solely on effort; emphasizes reliance on God's grace rather than personal skills alone.

Submitting Dreams to God

Aligning Plans with Divine Will

• Encourages submitting dreams and ambitions to God rather than pursuing them independently.

Biblical Foundation for Submission

• References Proverbs 19:21 about human plans versus divine purpose, stressing that ultimately God's purpose prevails over human intentions.

Conclusion: Seeking God's Will

Importance of Divine Guidance

• Stresses the necessity of including God in all plans by saying "if it is the Lord's will," reinforcing humility before divine authority.

Final Prayer for Submission

• Concludes with a prayer asking for guidance and submission to God's will regarding future aspirations and challenges faced by individuals.