Dreams, Goals, and the Fire Within

Human beings were designed by our Creator to dream, aspire, and set goals. It’s woven into our very DNA. These desires fuel the mind, body, and spirit. Without them, the mind becomes idle, the body stagnant, and the spirit thirsty.

Scripture reminds us of the importance of caring for our bodies and pursuing excellence. “Physical training is of some value” (1 Timothy 4:8), and “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Our physical health and spiritual well-being are deeply connected.

A Personal Story

Nearly a decade ago ago, I suffered a bad motorcycle accident due to a negligent driver. I broke 15 bones, was in the hospital for a month, a wheel chair for three months, and off work for 4.5 months with no source of income. A nurse practitioner and physical therapist in the hospital said it will take at least 8 months to walk again. One doctor said I may never recover. Motivated by the love of and by my children, my faith and determination, I set the goal to recover quickly against many odds and set backs during that time. Turning all over to Jesus, praying out loud in his name to grant me to walk again on my youngest daughter’s birthday, I did, which was 3 months to the date of the accident. Later, I set goals of getting back into the gym 4 to 6 days a week, losing 30 lbs, lower my resting heart rate, increasing strength and muscle, obtain another black belt and go back to school for a degree in psychology. I accomplished all of those goals and New Year Resolutions. I felt God nudging me all along the way to challenge myself physically, mentally, intellectually and spiritually. None of it was easy. Training was hard. There were days I wanted to quit, days when my body ached, mornings and evenings I did not want to go anywhere, yet alone train or do course work at night.

But something happened during that journey: I discovered discipline, perseverance, and the power of accountability. Several encouraged me, prayed for me, and my son trained with me at the age of 15. Crossing those finish lines wasn’t just about the race—it was about proving to myself that with God’s strength, granted miracle, and a clear vision, I could accomplish what once seemed impossible.

That experience taught me this: dreams matter because they shape who we become. They ignite the fire God placed in our hearts.

So, let me ask you:

* What are your dreams, aspirations, and goals?

* Did you set a New Year’s resolution last year? How did it go?

* Who helped keep you accountable?

* Do you have a resolution for the coming year? If so, share it—and share who will help you stay on track.

Not having dreams…

Not having aspirations…

Not having goals…

…means ignoring the fire God placed in your heart. It means stepping away from the person He intended you to be.

Will you accomplish every dream or goal? I hope so—but we’re human. We’re not perfect. We may fall short, but in striving, we learn. Failure teaches. Mistakes refine. And pursuing excellence is biblical:

> “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” – Proverbs 29:18

> “Write the vision and make it plain.” – Habakkuk 2:2

> “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord.” – Colossians 3:23

The Bible is filled with encouragement to work diligently, stay disciplined, and run the race with endurance (Hebrews 12:1-3). It calls us to shine our light (Matthew 5:16), to labor with purpose (Proverbs 14:23), and to live as God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10).

So as you look ahead:

* Set your vision.

* Pursue excellence.

* Stay accountable.

* And above all, honor God in everything you do.

Your dreams matter because they reflect the purpose He placed within you. Run your race well.