No Encouragement, No Problem With God

Scripture: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Growing up, I did not have the encouragement I needed to pursue my dreams. I loved art. I loved writing. Deep inside, I believed there was something more I was supposed to do with those God-given gifts. Yet without support, affirmation, or someone telling me, "You can do this," it was easy to believe those dreams were unrealistic.

The absence of encouragement can be powerful. It can cause us to doubt our abilities, question our calling, and place limitations on ourselves that God never intended. When no one around us believes in our potential, we may begin to think we are not capable, qualified, or talented enough to succeed. These are the lies of the enemy.

For many years, I carried those thoughts. Although the dream never completely disappeared, it remained buried beneath fear, uncertainty, and self-doubt. I assumed that becoming an artist or writer was something other people did—people with support systems, resources, and confidence.

But God had other plans.

At a time when I needed direction and hope, I turned to His Word. There I found Jeremiah 29:11. Those words seemed to leap off the page and settle deep within my heart: "For I know the plans I have for you."

God did not say He knew the plans my family had for me. He did not say He knew the plans society had for me. He said He knew the plans He had for me.

That realization changed everything.

My future was not dependent on whether others believed in me. It was dependent on whether I believed what God said about me. The Creator of the universe had a plan, a purpose, and a future for my life. If He was calling me to create, then I could move forward in faith, even without the approval or encouragement of others.

Slowly, I began taking steps toward the dreams God had placed in my heart. The journey was not always easy. There were setbacks, disappointments, and moments when I questioned myself. Yet God continued to provide the encouragement I lacked. Through Scripture, prayer, and His faithful presence, He reminded me that my calling came from Him.

Today, I am both an artist and an author. Looking back, I can see that God never allowed the dream to die. He sustained it through the years until I was ready to trust Him enough to pursue it.

Perhaps you can relate. Maybe you have a dream that has been tucked away because no one encouraged you. Maybe you've waited for someone to validate your gifts or tell you that you are capable.

If so, let me encourage you with this truth: when human encouragement is absent, God's encouragement is more than enough.

The same God who gave you your gifts also gave you your purpose. He sees your potential even when others do not. He knows the plans He has for you. Your responsibility is simply to trust Him and take the next step.

Today, I share encouragement with others because I know what it feels like to need it. My prayer is that you will find the confidence to pursue the calling God has placed on your life and fulfill the dream He planted in your heart long ago.

No encouragement, no problem—because God's promises are enough to give us hope, courage, and a future.