Beware of the Dream Stealers

"Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more." ~Genesis 37:5 (ESV)

Costly Oil LP didn't start out as a "dream" per se. It was a burning desire for ministry that started long before the name, mission statement, and incorporation came about in July of 2005. Wow. I can't believe that it has really been 10 years already. At that time, I wasn't planning 10 years out. I was, and still am, trusting and obeying God day by day...and that is the biggest "Dream" I have for this ministry: That I, and all those who are touched by what comes through this vision, will live a life of surrendered obedience.

From the moment ministry began burning in my heart, I've had to fight the dream stealers. Many time dream stealers came in the form of others who were unsuportive, dismissive, apathetic, negative, or doubtful. Like Joseph, I've had colleagues who I thought were "sisters" in the work, turn into dead weight when they saw the dream being realized or going to the next level. I realized that not every "supporter" would rejoice at the blessing of The Lord. But the worst were the "realists" who could see nothing but why I didn't have what it took to make it last. What these realists forgot was that it was never up to me to make it last. As I looked to Christ, and obeyed His leading, the work of my hands would begin, cease, and continue according to HIS will and design. They failed to recognize that this was not my work, but His. 

But the greatest of all the dream stealers came from the battles in my own heart and mind. The discouragement, distractions, and doubt that come as a result of obedience are ever waging war. There is always another reason to quit. There is always another disappointment. Always another let down or betrayal. Always another lack or challenge that is seemingly too great to overcome. Always weariness..... BUT GOD! He is faithful. In Him we always overcome and always come through! Beware of the dream stealers, but moreso, be AWARE of the dream stealers. Be aware that whether in others or within, they never truly or completely go away. So keep your eyes on Christ, and be ever careful to hear and obey. That is how we truly succeed, in spite of the dream stealers!

I'm thankful to God for showing me 10 years of faithfulness in this passion He placed in my heart. I don't know how many more He has planned for Costly Oil, but I celebrate this great milestone with joy and anticipation! And with surrender once again, I give it and all my plans back to Him. Thank you Lord!

Dawn~
~Pouring my life out in worship, like Costly Oil~

Beware of the Dream Stealers
By Dr. Denis Waitley

Although your own internal measurements are the most important, you will occasionally need to seek external feedback on your progress toward your goals. When you do, be sure it is from people who are truly interested in seeing you succeed. Don't seek feedback from fair-weather friends, competitive peers, or any person who doesn't have your best interests at heart. Neutral doesn't count. Get feedback from someone who is on your side but will still be objective and honest with you.

I've observed time and again that misery truly does love company. Jealousy creates some of the most miserable people I know. Surpass the achievements of your particular social crowd or your business colleagues, and look out for the slings and arrows of those who wish you were back where they are. You have to dodge the snide remarks and catty comments.

Let them roll right off you. Don't internalize them.

Only pay attention to feedback from those who have similar goals or who are working actively alongside you to achieve goals of their own. Motives and fears run deep. Study them in others. The sympathetic fair-weather friend who supports you and comforts you when you're down, may like you best when you are in just that state: down and dependent.

Ultimately, nobody else is responsible for your life but you. Nobody else is accountable for your actions but you. Therefore, nobody's expectations for you and opinions about you are as important as your own. So make sure those take precedence in your mind over all others, and if you do need to consult with someone else, think very carefully before you choose exactly who.

Equally important, be prepared to sell your ideas to an indifferent world. As passionate as you are about your business and the fact that your products and services will have positive, life-changing benefits to everyone you meet, you are going to find resistance every time you tellyour story.

People are most interested in their own dreams and goals. They have difficulty believing that you have found a better way than they have to reach them. They are suspicious and guarded when anyone tries to sell them or change their minds. Rather than have others steal your dreams by raining on them, ask questions and find out about their dreams before you launch into your sermon. People buy what they want first, then what they need. Find what turns them on. It may not be what turns you on. By helping others get what they want, you'll get what you want too!