Since its original 1950 release, the movie, Cinderella, has not only inspired multiple remakes and adaptations but has also led to many big dreams for little girls. With her melodic tune, A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes, the main character, a poor orphaned servant girl has helped generations believe that anything is possible, even when the odds are stacked against them. Her story is one of the earlier foundations of Disney’s many fairy tales, and even today, those fairy tales are the cornerstone of dreams for an idyllic future and a happy ending.

Personally, I’m one of those fairy tale dreamers. As an optimist, a romantic, and perhaps a bit of a “Pollyanna,” I have always loved to dream big dreams and hold onto the hope that they could come true. Dreams don’t necessarily have to occur while we sleep; they can simply be visions of our future, brimming with hope. But the reality of this world is that sometimes, dreams just don’t play out like we thought they would. 

I relate to this part as well. I’ve dealt with abandonment on more than one occasion; I’ve suffered through infertility and miscarriage; I’ve yearned for deeper relationship with people who don’t want the same. These are just a few of the big ones, but there’s a long list of little unfulfilled dreams as well. I’ll bet you have some, too. Broken dreams happen to all of us. In fact, I don’t know anyone who hasn’t felt the cut from the sharp edges of a shattered vision.

Sometimes, the wish our heart makes doesn’t come true, and we can be left wondering why. Worse than that, we can blame ourselves, others, and God. Resentment can fester and grow like a viral infection, leaving us sick with hatred, jealousy, and unforgiveness. Make no mistake, these emotions will do far more harm than the sadness accompanying an unrealized dream. Instead, it may be wise to consider doing business with potential reasons for the roadblock. Perhaps that analysis can help us move through it with hope and a willingness to keep reaching for the stars. Here are three questions to consider…

Was it the best path forward?

Rejection can be both protection and redirection. While it might seem tragic in the moment, hindsight can show us that we have all dreamed dreams that didn’t come true and ultimately diverted us to something better. I can recall believing I knew the “right” person to marry, or the “perfect” job for my future and having neither one pan out as I thought. But, what God eventually led me to was so much better than I had dreamed for myself. Worth remembering, He wants to give us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4), but He works with a much bigger picture than we have.

We dream things with our limited knowledge, and we think we know what’s best. God, however, does not have the same constraints of time, awareness, or power. We should be begging Him to lead us to the path of life with His unlimited abilities. His plans for our lives will bring us the most joy, if we can trust Him enough to seek His will and not our own. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” God, in His lovingkindness, wants to direct our steps to the very best, most fulfilling life. It may be worth laying down our own desire to control outcomes (a sure setup for disappointment) and asking God to make His will and timing clear. Eventually, He will make it known, as He promises to give wisdom without judgment to those who ask (James 1:5).

Was it really anyone’s fault?

Sometimes, we think it will make us feel better if we can blame someone, whether ourselves or someone else. Frankly, it rarely helps, and more often than not, it takes a sad moment and turns it into potentially fatal relationship damage. We lose confidence, trust, and hope, and it’s of no benefit to us at all. If someone did have a misstep (including yourself), ask God to help you forgive quickly, just as He forgives you (Colossians 3:13-14). You will be able to move on much faster and healthier.

Also consider that it may be nobody’s fault at all. It just didn’t work out for a variety of reasons, timing, or perhaps simply because it’s a broken world. Bad stuff happens, because the world is fallen. Thankfully, we have Heaven’s perfection to look forward to, but until then, there is evil in this world that derives plans to pull us from our purpose and from a relationship with our Savior (Ephesians 6:12). Take heart, though, we can claim victory with Jesus, who has already won (John 16:33) and who gives us His armor (Ephesians 6:10-18) and strength to overcome (Philippians 4:13).

Is the story still being written?

It is well documented that Jesus is a Redeemer (Ephesians 1:7), but in the case of this blog post, I think it’s very appropriate to call Him a ReDREAMer! The fact remains that if we are still here with breath in our lungs and with the personality, gifts, and talents that He gave us, He is still writing the story of our lives. More importantly, we can have great hope for what’s to come! Jeremiah 29:11 assures us, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” As well, while Satan is wreaking havoc, Jesus offers the stark contrast of why He came: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

I have to constantly remind myself of God’s sovereignty and utterly unlimited ability that He can and does use for our good. There is no way that our human minds can comprehend the enormity of His power, perspective, and love for us. Isn’t it worth trusting Him to re-dream a new vision of what seems stalled or failed? I can’t help but remember that He is a God of miracles, as well as a God who loves us so much that He died for us (John 3:16). It only makes sense that He would remain with us and lead us to His goodness. Ask Him for patience and the ability to trust Him as He continues to write your story.

Of course, we all realize that fairy tales are a magical stretch from reality. That said, God has equipped us perfectly for our purpose, and He promises to work through us. To me, that feels like making dreams a reality. Ephesians 3:20 promises that He is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” and that’s truly the stuff that dreams are made of.

Don’t give in, and don’t give up. Your heart’s true desire will be fulfilled in and through Him, and it promises a happily-ever-after ending with a Savior into eternity.

Lord, thank You for the promises You have made and always keep. Forgive us in our impatience to gain outcomes and forge ahead without You. Help us to sense Your presence with us, and strengthen us through relationship with You. Give us hope and new dreams that You have dreamed for us, with the discipline to follow You and Your will. Show us the way to a fullness of heart and joy abounding, for You alone are the Creator of all good things, and You are the pathway there. Help us to let go, trust You, and obey. In Jesus’ precious and Holy name, Amen.