When Dreams Disappear

When faced with the possible loss of a long-cherished dream, what's a Christian man to do?

Well, he can hold to that dream ever more tightly even as it slips from his grasp. He can pound on God's door, demanding access and results. He can turn bitter over the hand that life has dealt him. He can refuse to do his best because he is angry over the unfair treatment he feels others have given him. He can wrap up his entire self-worth in his dream and not feel like a man unless he attains it.

Or the man of God can loosen his grip, even open his hand, and allow the dream to go where it will. He can continue asking God about the dream, but with a willingness to accept God's answer (whatever it is) and follow God's will. He can use the disappointment as an opportunity to learn humility and trust, and to explore other opportunities he may not have considered while the dream burned bright, possibly blinding him to other paths. He can do his work heartily, as unto the Lord not men, knowing that God is the proper focus of all our dreams anyway. He can realize his worth does not depend on the dream and that he is loved no matter what he does, or doesn't, accomplish with his life.

Which way will you choose?