Ever desire to dream big for God and have expectant faith… but wonder, “how does that really happen when life feels hopeless and I have no idea how to make these dreams a reality?” Today we’re talking about taking the first step toward a dream (even when we’re full of fear and need help finding hope). Listen in to find biblical encouragement and to learn the first steps toward believing God to bring big dreams to fruition.

249: Learning to Expectantly Believe God for Big Dreams (Even If You’ve Been Hurt)

Ever desire to dream big for God and have expectant faith… but wonder, “how does that really happen when life feels hopeless and I have no idea how to make these dreams a reality?” Today we’re talking about taking the first step toward a dream (even when we’re full of fear and need help finding hope). Listen in to find biblical encouragement and to learn the first steps toward believing God to bring big dreams to fruition.

P.S. We aren’t meant to make changes alone! if you want 1:1 help working through obstacles, and to find accountability, encouragement and community as you pursue God-sized dreams, apply now for the The Onward + Upward Group Coaching Program!

Ever desire to dream big for God and have expectant faith… but wonder, “how does that really happen when life feels hopeless and I have no idea how to make these dreams a reality?” Today we’re talking about taking the first step toward a dream (even when we’re full of fear and need help finding hope). Listen in to find biblical encouragement and to learn the first steps toward believing God to bring big dreams to fruition.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

  • [05:07] We May Have Faith… But Do We Have Expectant Belief in God’s Unseen Plan? 
  • [08:06] How Do We Handle Doubt, Especially When We’ve Made Mistakes?
  • [11:50] Will You Emotionally Dwell in the Victories or the Challenges?
  • [13:24]  God Shows Us the Next Step After We’ve Taken the First One
  • [16:19] Let Me Help You Work Through the Obstacles and Make Your God-Sized Dream a Reality

 

[05:07] We May Have Faith… But Do We Have Expectant Belief in God’s Unseen Plan? 

The power of expectant belief can dramatically change our ability to walk through a difficult situation. We cannot have the courage to move towards something if we do not have even the tiniest belief that it can work out. 

Sometimes God calls us to things that are way bigger than what we can imagine in the moment. We do not have to have the entire plan. We just have to have the expectant belief and remember how good God has been to us in the past.

 Hebrews 11:1 NIV says “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” The NLT version says “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for, it's the evidence of things we cannot see”

When we are forced to have faith in something, it reveals our level of confidence. 

If we were to walk across a log over a muddy pond, our faith is shown the second we step onto the log. Our faith is shown by our actions and deciding if we do or do not do something. We say we believe and trust in God, but if we do not take a step forward, is this true? 

We have so many stories of men and women in the Bible who had that feeling that God was calling them to something bigger than what they could see right now. They needed to expectantly believe that He was going to guide them through. 

Hebrews 11 is a great chapter itself filled with stories of amazing men and women who had made decisions to trust God even when it did not make sense. In Genesis 17-21, there are stories of characters like Abraham and Sarah who had to trust God’s promises against all odds.

[08:06] How Do We Handle Doubt, Especially When We’ve Made Mistakes Before?

We are not always going to trust God and sometimes we have to live with those decisions. We all make mistakes and it is okay because we have a God who offers us new mercies every single morning. God gives us what we need to get back up and move towards the future He has for us.

In Genesis 37-50, we see this amazing journey of Joseph’s life from being a young child who thought he was the favorite to being sold into slavery by his brothers. Despite facing false accusations and imprisonment, he maintains his faith in God. 

I am sure that there were days when Joseph was not sure what God was up to because we all have those moments. Having expectant belief doesn't mean we expect a reality without any doubts. Instead, expectant belief is the anchored truth that we choose to focus our thoughts on when doubts arise. 

Joseph teaches us about holding on to God's expectant hope despite trials and difficulties. Joseph’s story reminds us that God can always transform our adversity into triumph.

[11:50] Will You Emotionally Dwell in the Victories or the Challenges?

In the book of Numbers 13-14, Joshua and Caleb were part of the group who were sent out to explore the promised land. They were the few who focused on God’s faithfulness and promises rather than the obstacles that were there. They remind us to look at the obstacles but choose where we are going to dwell. They chose to focus on God’s hope, promises, and the plan He had given them, unlike the other Israelites who focused on fear. 

When we can recall and verbalize those past victories where God has been faithful, we can reinforce that expectant belief and that hope. This can help us through our big dreams and goals, even when we are not sure what is going to happen. Joshua and Caleb remind us to have that unwavering belief in God's power over any adversity!

[13:24] God Shows Us the Next Step After We’ve Taken the First One

In Esther 4-8, Esther was asked to do things that seemed impossible and dangerous for her life but she reminds us of the power of stepping out in faith. Transformative change requires bold steps forward and stepping out when you do not have the entire plan.

In Episode 239 Shayna Rattler reminded us to not get stuck on needing the full plan from God. She said “God is the best GPS that we have” and reminded us that He will show us the next step once we are brave enough to take the first one. 

I have seen this to be so true in this season of life for me. As a Christian coach and businesswoman, I have seen how God has been calling me to bigger versions of things in my life. I see doors opening and it is exciting. He has had to help me stay centered and by using my faith in Him as an anchor, I can take the next steps forward. 

God will give us the courage to stay strong as we dream big for Him, despite the fears we face. That is the kind of expectant belief required to make the changes we need to make in life.

[16:19] Let Me Help You Work Through the Obstacles and Make Your God-Sized Dream a Reality 

I want to help you in this process. I have opened up The Onward and Upward Group Coaching Program and formulated it for women like you going through a season of life where you need to trust God and what He is calling you toward. We will be working through mindset issues that come up and emotions around them with accountability and a group of women walking through similar challenges. 

God wants to walk with you toward the dreams He has put in your heart. He wants to show you how to step into the bigger version of yourself. People's lives are going to change for the better or worse based on whether you are faithful to what God is calling you to do. This is both heavy and empowering. 

We have a lot of control over our future and taking a step toward God’s kingdom could bring someone else into the kingdom or be inspired by our witness. Even if you just want to be a “better you” this season, think about how much that can impact the world! How you show up for yourself affects how you show up for your family, your job, and your time with the Lord. We have no idea how much of an impact we have on people and we will not know the power of our choices until we get to heaven. 

I know it is challenging to take the first step, but that is why we have coaching programs like The Onward and Upward Group Coaching Program. God did not design us to do things without community support. I encourage you to apply now here. If you have an inkling in your heart that God has more for you in your life, please apply now for this program – spots are limited!

 

RESOURCES:

Need support for navigating new beginnings, creating new routines, or chasing divine dreams? Join us in “The Onward and Upward Group Coaching Program”! It is by application only and spots are limited so sign up today!

Looking to refresh your mind + dwell in God's peace (in about 5 minutes!) when life is stressful? Check out Alicia’s “Christian Meditations for Daily Calm” resource.

Ready to refresh your mind, body, and spirit as you explore one of the world's most beloved regions? Join Alicia in September 2025 for a life-changing travel retreat to Italy!

 

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239: Stuck in An “Expired” Season? Seeking God for Perspective on What’s Next with Shayna Rattler