Your Dream Is Real — But So Is the Season You’re In

God Isn’t Making You Choose — He’s Teaching You How to Carry Both

A Devotional for Purpose, Timing, and Trusting God’s Pace

Hey Sparkle Bestie,

I want to invite you into something personal today — a moment with God that’s been shaping my heart, especially around purpose, timing, and the dreams we carry deep in our spirit.

There’s a song that’s been echoing in my spirit lately:“Here I am, here I stand, Lord my life is in Your hands… All my dreams, all my plans, Lord I place them in Your hands… I give myself away so You can use me.” — Song by William McDowell

Every time those words rise up in me, it’s like God gently reaches into my thoughts and pulls my focus back to Him. Back to center. Back to truth. Especially on the days when I feel pressure creeping in — that quiet push that whispers, “Hurry up. Become more. Do more. You’re behind.”

And every single time, God reminds me:

Your dream is real.

But so is the season you’re in.

And I want you to hear that too, Sparkle Bestie — deeply.

When Ambition Blinds Us to Blessing

There was a moment — not long ago — when the weight of my dreams felt so heavy, so urgent, that I almost convinced myself I needed to step away from the very blessings I once cried and prayed for.

Maybe you’ve been there too — where the pressure to “arrive” becomes so loud that it drowns out the beauty of what already is. Where the desire to build the future blinds you to the miracle of the present.

In one of those vulnerable, foggy moments, when I thought I needed time to “figure myself out,” my husband — patient, steady, and gentle — reminded me that he wasn’t going anywhere.

And right in that moment, through my husband’s calm love, God whispered even louder:

“I’m not asking you to choose between your family and your dream. I’m teaching you how to carry both — in the season I placed you in.”

Because God does not rush us into purpose.

He prepares us for it.

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.”— Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)

Looking Back to See How God Has Carried You

Suddenly, I started remembering all the ways God had already trained me, strengthened me, and carried me through seasons I didn’t think I could survive.

The days when I was a single mother working long shifts…Praying — begging — for a life where I didn’t have to choose between providing for my babies and actually being present with them.

The days when anxiety had a grip on my voice and I felt small, unworthy, or afraid to ask for what I needed.

But God met me there.

He walked me through each moment, step by step.

He opened doors I didn’t even know I had the right to knock on.

He gave me clients who allowed me to bring my children to work with me.

He softened hearts on my behalf.

He strengthened my voice until I learned to speak my needs with confidence.

He taught me to value relationships, to honor what was given, and to trust His timing.

Every job.

Every client.

Every hard moment where I had to finally stand up for myself…

All of it planted seeds for the woman I am today.

Those moments weren’t random.

They were training.

Preparation.

Strengthening.

Just like the season you’re in right now.

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…”— Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

God Isn’t Making You Choose — He’s Teaching You How to Carry Both

Here’s the truth God keeps reminding me of:

Sometimes we assume purpose requires sacrifice that God never asked us to make.

He’s not a God of confusion or chaos.

He’s a God of order, peace, and perfect timing.

The enemy will whisper,

“You have to choose — your dream or your family.”

But God whispers louder,

“I will teach you how to carry both.”

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”— 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

This season — the exact one you’re in — isn’t punishment.

It’s not delay.

It’s not denial.

It’s preparation.

God is building your capacity.

Strengthening your character.

Rooting you in gratitude.

Healing the parts of you that ambition can’t reach.

Teaching you how to hold purpose without letting purpose hold you hostage.

He does not hand us a calling we’re not ready to carry.

And He will never require you to abandon the very blessings He gave you as answers to your prayers.

So hear me, Sparkle Bestie:

Your dream is real.

But the season you're in is also part of the dream.

This season is tender.

Refining.

Stretching.

Holy.

And right here, God is strengthening you.

Building capacity.

Softening your heart.

Grounding you so you won’t lose yourself later in the grind.

Right now, your only job is to show up where you are — fully — trusting that when the time is right, God will open every door meant for you.

Not one moment of your story is wasted.

Not one gift is forgotten.

Not one dream is denied.

It’s simply being prepared.

God isn’t asking you to choose.

He’s teaching you how to carry both —

in His timing,

with His strength,

within His peace.

Let’s Pray About It

Dear God,

Thank You for Your steady guidance and Your unfailing presence. Thank You for reminding me that my dream is real, but so is the season I’m planted in. Help me see this season as preparation — holy, intentional, and necessary. Teach me to trust Your timing, Your wisdom, and Your plan. Strengthen my spirit, anchor my heart, and help me honor my family, my calling, and my well-being as You show me how to carry both purpose and peace. I surrender pressure and hurry, and I choose to walk with You — at Your pace, in Your grace.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection for Your Heart

✨ Where is God inviting you to slow down and trust His timing?

✨ What blessings are you living in now that you once prayed earnestly for?

✨ Are there areas where you’ve felt pressured to choose between your roles and your purpose? What might God be saying instead?

✨ How has God prepared you through past seasons — even the difficult ones?

Write your answers down, Sparkle Bestie.

Let them minister to you.

God speaks through reflection just as much as revelation.

I hope this message was a blessing to you. It fills my heart to share these moments with you and to turn my own journey into inspiration we can grow through together. May God bless you always.

Sending you love, light, and sparkle —

Shakila B.

P.S. Here’s the song that’s been living in my spirit — sharing it now so it can live in yours too. 😊💖✨