Finding truth in the midst of your wilderness
Your dream may just be the beginning of the rest of your life...
Have you ever had a dream that stayed with you for a long time, if not forever?
In 2017, just before Thanksgiving, I had a dream. It was a dream about faith, hope, and healing. Over time, I’ve come to believe that this dream was not only meant for me—but for you, too.
From the dark wilderness to light in the forest
It was dark. I was running. I was tired, scared, and anxious. I kept tripping over the roots of dead trees in the wilderness. I kept looking back—and the more I looked back, the more I tripped. Sometimes I lay there, unable to move. But when I gathered enough strength, I would get up and keep going.
After what felt like forever, I began to slow down and walk, my heart still pounding in my chest. In the distance, I saw a dim light. Intrigued, and true to my nature, I moved toward it. The more I moved forward, the more light shone onto my feet, illuminating a path. My heart became calmer. I felt a growing peace.
The light grew brighter. I followed the illuminated path until I reached a watery door, hidden in the vast wilderness. I stepped through this portal-like entrance—and what I saw overwhelmed my soul. It was as though the door had made room for another world, filled with wonder. I walked through a forest alive with frogs, rabbits, butterflies, flowers, birds, dragonflies, snails, and fireflies.
Drawn to an even brighter light up ahead, I continued walking. Then I saw a unicorn. Playfully, like a dog wanting to show me something, it urged me to follow. I did.
It led me to a breathtaking waterfall, with a thick stream of water and green pastures surrounded by tall trees and mountains. A rainbow arched above the waterfall. It was the largest waterfall I had ever seen. I bent down to drink from the sweet, life-giving waters. The stream was so clear I could see its bottom. At last, I felt refreshed and at peace.
It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow.
Hope upon a dream, believe in tomorrow
When I woke up, I felt rejuvenated. I felt as though I could do anything I set my mind to.
We all face trials. We all go through times when we feel like we’re wandering in a wilderness. You might feel anxious, desperate to escape your past. Maybe something is chasing you—or perhaps you’re chasing something: goals, expectations, deadlines. Maybe you're beginning to doubt yourself. Perhaps you're trying to live up to someone else’s dream for your life.
But here's what I’ve learned: the more I immersed myself in scripture, the more I took action, the clearer my path became.
Truth’s shining light guides me in my choices and decisions; the revelation of your Word makes my pathway clear.
Psalms 119:105 TPT
I began to fall less. I grew in confidence—though I remained cautious of self-reliance. I didn’t move as quickly anymore, but I became more patient, taking one small step at a time. I became more aware, grounded, and strong.
As I followed the lighted path, I became someone I never imagined I could be. I found healing. I experienced empowerment, peace, love, and joy—rooted in truth.
“I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!
John 14:27 TPT
In search of the truth
We all experience moments of doubt—about our worth, our purpose, or the value we bring. But that doubt is a lie. It's what the enemy wants you to believe.
So what is the truth?
Come back to your identity. You are a child of the Most High God. You were created in His image. He has called you to a purpose far greater than yourself.
Often, we don’t know what that purpose is. But what if we’re meant to discover it along the way—by completing the small (and big) missions life offers?
Bob Goff writes in Dream Big that we should say yes more often. Say yes to the missions that stir your soul. They might be small—like showing kindness to someone who’s lost faith in humanity—or big—like changing someone’s life and setting off a ripple of goodness that reaches others. Say yes.
You can always find a million reasons to say no, but if you find the courage to say yes, you could change your life.
Anonymous
Hope for tomorrow
When you say yes to the light inside you, when you follow love and truth, you become a beacon. You shine light on others' paths so they, too, can find hope.
How will you use your resources—your time, gifts, voice—to share light, love, joy, and kindness?
Maybe you can:
Encourage others by speaking life.
Remind people that they are seen, appreciated, and valued.
Lend a helping hand when someone needs it most.
When you carry hope for tomorrow—anchored in love, faith, and intentional action—you become empowered. You may even help ignite the light in someone else.
You will reach a place of peace that surpasses understanding. You will find joy, even in the midst of difficulty. You will grow, even when it feels like you’ve hit a glass ceiling. You will inspire others—not just to feel better, but to become better.
Let everyone be devoted to fulfilling the work God has given them to do with excellence, and their joy will be in doing what’s right and being themselves, and not in being affirmed by others.
Galatians 6:4 TPT
I hope this message brings as much meaning to your life as it brought to mine. Go out. Share your light, love, and passion. Say yes to your calling.
It might just be the most fulfilling thing you’ll ever do.
If this article spoke to you, let me know in the comment section below or send me an email at info@amaniwellbeing.com.
Photo credit: Johannes Plenio