Dream It, Do It.

“You are going to row the Atlantic?”

If I could count the amount of times people mocked, laughed or worse gave that silent look of disbelief because they thought I was crazy or simply that I wasn’t able, I’d be a rich woman! Ok so I used to have more handbags and shoes than I care to disclose so I could see why people thought it was impossible – for me especially!

I love how God picks the weak and the unlikely to become change makers and world changers – look at Moses, Esther and David!

God so clearly confirmed that I was going to row the Atlantic. Even I knew I was way out my depth with this dream, so I sought The Lord on whether this really was His idea. Two separate women prayed for me and one had a picture of me in a boat with authority over the storms and another lady saw a picture of a path of angels clapping across an ocean! Neither knew me and no one knew about row at that time.

Had God not given me such confirmation I think I would have quit because what followed were the hardest few years of my life.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19

When we dream dreams I believe it needs to be founded in prayer, seeking God’s leading and confirmation. I’ve heard it often said to ‘Go to the throne before the phone’. Of course I prayed hugely with my closest friends but I believe there is great power in keeping our plans secret and praying about them in private to see what God says, over the opinion of others.

We walk into God’s plans; we don’t invite Him into ours. Crossing the ocean was God’s great idea and I was invited into His adventure.

 

Pain with Purpose

Even with such confirmation I still doubted. I often say, “It was the hardest but the best thing I’ve ever done”. I wondered if it really was a God idea because often it was so tough. Any place worth going will have challenges, Jesus told us to expect them.

I didn’t know how to row, I had no idea how to fundraise over $220k to get to the start line, let alone put together a crew of girls who didn’t even know each other before. I was a reluctant leader but up for the challenge. Saying yes was all that mattered. God equips those He calls not the other way around.

During the crossing everything that could go wrong, went wrong and everything that could break, broke. Physically it was tough but mentally it was excruciating. 3000 miles overwhelmed me, but watch-by-watch, 2 hours by 2 hours was manageable. It’s great and important to plan and see the big picture and vision but living in the present moment is what got me through and I think right in some situations and seasons of leadership.

 We rowed to do our part to bring freedom to the 30 million people in modern day slavery. At 3am when it’s pitch black, you’re wondering why you’re in the middle of the Atlantic, delirious with sleep deprivation; I had to remember why I started. It brought perspective and helped me endure and persevere.

Public victories come with Private battles

The moment we step out one step out of the ordinary to do anything extraordinary to advance God’s kingdom, the attack will come, the setbacks start and life can chuck tough, unexpected blows. The moment I said yes to the row I went through a parallel journey – our darkest family crisis. The combined journey was a time of continuous battle and blessing. In my darkest hours through prayer, lament or some days just standing, God gave me daily treasures to keep going. It’s in the secret place where we find strength, stamina and direction.

In order to win the war, be it for the freedom of others or within ourselves, we have to go to battle.

There was a boat in our race called Dream It, Do it. With absolute faith I believe that God wants us to dream outrageously big dreams. It doesn’t mean it will be easy. In fact, it’s really hard and there will be barriers to overcome. The “do it” part is where most people give up and never reach their destiny and potential. We have to learn to embrace and overcome the challenges in order to fulfill the dream. 

Here are 8 practical keys that I’ve learned about this concept of “Dream It, Do It”

• Collaboration is key and allows you to advance. We had everything we needed between us as a crew.
• Know where you’re taking your team. If you don’t know, your team can’t buy into your vision.
• Maximize your gifting and release what’s not. I am awful at spreadsheets, technical things and planning but they are someone else’s strengths and passion.
• Balance can be tough when you’re in an active and engaging season. A series by Bill Hybels called ‘Simplify your Life’ really helped me.
• Stop people pleasing! It’s ok that not everyone likes you.
• Prioritize prayer. Unless prayer is central to our work at Sport for Freedom we may as well quit now. We want to walk in His plans.
• Forgiveness is the most powerful weapon. The words “I’m sorry” are my favorites, who can argue with those?
• Praise your way through tough times and learn to be content in all circumstances. I used to preach to myself and praise all the louder on the 2am watch regardless if I felt like it or not. Feelings are fleeing and ever changing but declaring God’s promises aloud reignites passion and confidence.

 Go for it. Dream it, Do it!