Dream It, Wish It, Do It: A Faith-Based Guide to Facing Your Fears and Going for It
When God Opens Doors, But Fear Keeps You Standing in the Hallway
Let’s be honest: we’ve all been there. Standing in the hallway of life, staring at the door God has flung wide open, and yet… we can’t seem to move. Maybe it’s a new job, a big decision, a relationship, or a calling that’s been tugging at your heart for years. You’ve prayed about it. You’ve thought about it. You’ve even told your friends about it. But actually walking through that door? That’s where things get tricky.
Your heart races, your mind spirals through every worst-case scenario, and suddenly, you’re frozen. You dream about what could be. You wish things were different. But the “doing it” part? That’s where fear likes to camp out.
The Bible is full of people who’ve stood exactly where you are—on the edge of their calling, staring at the next step, but unsure if they had what it took to move forward. Moses tried to talk God out of using him at the burning bush. Gideon was hiding in a winepress when God called him a “mighty warrior” (Judges 6:12). Peter actually stepped out of the boat, but as soon as fear crept in, he started sinking (Matthew 14:30). Even Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, asked if there was another way before surrendering with, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
Fear is human. Hesitation is normal. But staying stuck when God is calling you forward? That’s where we miss out on the abundant life He promises.
So, if you’re tired of living in the gap between dreaming and doing, this is for you. It’s time to stop letting fear call the shots and start stepping into the life God has for you. Let’s talk about moving from “I wish” to “I will” and why faith—not fearlessness—is what makes it possible.
Part 1: Dream It—God Plants Seeds of Vision in Your Heart
God-Given Dreams Are Invitations
Here’s the thing: not every dream comes from God. I mean, if your dream is to win the lottery and live on a yacht, that might just be you. But many dreams do come from Him. Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps” (NIV). God often plants desires and visions in our hearts as a way of pointing us toward His purpose.
Think about Joseph. He had literal God-given dreams that showed him glimpses of his future (Genesis 37). At the time, they seemed ridiculous—his brothers certainly thought so. But those dreams weren’t random. They were God’s way of preparing Joseph for a purpose far bigger than he could have imagined.
If you’ve got a dream that excites and terrifies you at the same time—something that keeps you up at night or pops into your head when you least expect it—pay attention. That might just be God whispering, “Hey, I’ve got something for you.”
How to Tell If Your Dream Is from God
Not every dream is from God, though. Some are driven by pride, comparison, or a desire for validation. (Been there, done that.) James 4:3 warns us, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives.”
So how do you know if your dream is God-ordained?
Ask yourself:
- Does this dream align with God’s Word and His character?
- Does it serve others, or is it all about me?
- Does it require faith and dependence on God, or could I pull it off on my own?
- Do I feel peace when I pray about it, even if I’m scared?
- Have trusted, godly people affirmed this direction?
If the answer is yes, then chances are, God planted that dream in your heart. And if He gave it to you, He’ll equip you to accomplish it. But here’s the catch: you have to take the first step.
Part 2: Wish It—The Dangerous Middle Ground of Wanting Without Acting
The Paralysis of Perpetual Wishing
Let’s talk about the “wishing” phase. It’s that place where you know what you want, you’ve identified the dream, but you’re stuck. You’re praying about it, thinking about it, maybe even talking about it—but you’re not doing anything.
Wishing feels safe. It lets you hold onto the dream without risking failure. You can tell yourself, “One day, I’ll write that book,” or “When the timing is perfect, I’ll start that ministry.” But here’s the hard truth: sometimes “waiting on God” is just fear in disguise.
The Cost of Staying Stuck
Proverbs 13:12 tells us, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” (NIV). When we stay in the wishing phase too long, it doesn’t just delay our dreams—it wears us down. We become discouraged, cynical, and frustrated.
And here’s the kicker: often, the door is already open. God’s just waiting for us to walk through it.
The Parable of the Talents
Jesus told a story in Matthew 25:14-30 about three servants who were given different amounts of money (talents) by their master. Two of them invested and multiplied what they were given. The third, afraid of losing it, buried his talent in the ground.
When the master returned, he praised the first two servants but condemned the third, calling him “wicked and lazy.” Ouch.
This parable isn’t just about money—it’s about what we do with everything God gives us: our gifts, our dreams, our opportunities. Wishing we could do something while doing nothing is like burying our talent in the ground. God doesn’t reward fear-based inaction. He rewards faith-based obedience.
Part 3: Do It—Taking the Leap With Faith, Not Fearlessness
Faith Doesn’t Eliminate Fear
Here’s a newsflash: faith doesn’t mean you won’t feel scared. Faith means you’ll act despite the fear.
When God told Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, He didn’t say, “Don’t worry, you won’t feel afraid.” Instead, He said, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NIV).
God never promises fearlessness. He promises His presence. And that’s enough.
The Power of Obedience Over Outcomes
Here’s the game-changer: God isn’t asking you to guarantee success. He’s asking you to obey.
Noah built an ark before a single raindrop fell. Abraham left his home without knowing where he was going. David faced Goliath with a slingshot. Mary said “yes” to carrying Jesus, even though she didn’t understand how it would all work out.
None of them had guarantees. But they obeyed. And God showed up.
Practical Steps to Finally Take the Leap
- Write It Down
Habakkuk 2:2 says, “Write down the revelation and make it plain.” Writing out your dream makes it real and gives you clarity. - Take One Small Step
You don’t have to do everything today. Just do something. Make the call. Send the email. Take the class. Small steps of obedience lead to big breakthroughs. - Expect Obstacles
Let’s be clear: stepping out in faith doesn’t mean smooth sailing. Resistance doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path—it often means you’re on the right one. Keep going. - Trust God With the Outcome
Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Do your part, and let God handle the rest.
The Abundant Life Is on the Other Side of Fear
Jesus came to give us abundant life (John 10:10). But we can’t live abundantly if we’re stuck in fear, staring at open doors, too scared to walk through them.
Dream it. God put that vision in your heart for a reason.
Wish it—but don’t stop there. Wishing without action is just fear in disguise.
Do it. Take the leap. Trust that God will catch you.
The hallway is no place to live. The door is open. It’s time to walk through it.
Prayer
“Lord, I’m scared. I’ve been standing in this hallway for far too long, staring at the door You’ve opened but too afraid to step through. I know You didn’t give me a spirit of fear, so help me trust You more than I trust my doubts. Give me the courage to take the first step, even if it’s small. I surrender this dream to You. If it’s from You, I trust You’ll make a way. If it’s not, close the door. But Lord, don’t let me stay stuck. I’m ready to trust You and move forward. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
ONE QUESTION TO CARRY TODAY:
What’s one step of obedience I can take today to move closer to the dream God has placed on my heart?
You’ve got this. Not because you’re fearless, but because God is faithful. Now, go. The door is open. Step through it. 💛