Pursuing Your God-Given Dreams: Perseverance Through Trials

David Campbell Jr.
Oct 8
3 min read

Pursuing Your God-Given Dreams: Perseverance Through Trials

Every dream worth pursuing will come with challenges. It’s easy to get excited at the start of a journey — the vision is clear, the passion is strong, and the possibilities feel endless. But what happens when obstacles arise, doors close, and failure seems to overshadow progress? Do we give up? Or do we press forward, trusting that God’s plan is still unfolding?

The Road to Purpose Is Paved with Challenges

The Bible never promises us an easy path. In fact, it reminds us that trials are part of the process of growth and maturity. James 1:2–4 encourages us:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Your dream — the one God placed in your heart — will require perseverance. And perseverance isn’t built in comfort; it’s forged in adversity.

A Lesson from Michael Jordan

Few people embody perseverance like basketball legend Michael Jordan. Before he became a six-time NBA champion and one of the greatest athletes in history, he faced significant setbacks.

As a teenager, Jordan was famously cut from his high school varsity basketball team. Most people would have taken that as a sign to give up. Instead, it fueled his determination. He trained harder, pushed himself further, and refused to let failure define his future.

Jordan once said,

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

What made Jordan extraordinary wasn’t his talent alone — it was his relentless pursuit of his dream despite setbacks. And while we’re not all called to be athletes, the principle remains the same: God often uses failure as the soil where faith and perseverance grow.

God’s Plan Has Purpose — Even When You Don’t See It

When your dream feels delayed or impossible, remember this: God’s timing is perfect and His plan is bigger than what you can see. Romans 8:28 reminds us:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

What feels like a setback might actually be preparation. God may be developing character, refining your faith, or aligning circumstances to open the right door at the right time. Your responsibility is to stay faithful and keep moving forward.

Press On — You’re Not Done Yet

The Apostle Paul knew what it meant to face obstacles — persecution, imprisonment, rejection — yet he never gave up on the mission God gave him. His words in Philippians 3:13–14 are a rallying cry for anyone chasing a God-given dream:

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Your journey may be long. It may involve tears, disappointments, and detours. But if God has placed a dream in your heart, He will equip you to see it through.

Final Thoughts: Dream with God, Persevere with Faith

Michael Jordan didn’t let failure define him — and neither should you. Your dream isn’t dead just because the road is hard. In fact, those challenges might be the very thing that prepares you for the promise.

So when you feel discouraged, remember: