“Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.”
Ezra 10:4
1. Listen to their dreams.
I am a dreamer and a verbal processor. I am so grateful for my family and friends who have listened to my dreams throughout the years. I often need to express my dreams out loud and “try them on” in order to discern which I should actually follow up on. It can be scary to voice out loud the ideas that formulate in a creative brain, so be kind when you listen to a dreamer. Even if their plans seem outlandish and scary to you, understand that dreams are the stuff that fuel new inventions, successful businesses, and amazing ministries. When a dreamer shares a vision with you, they are trusting you with treasure from their very soul.
2. Pray with them and for them.
God gives us dreams and He gives us the ability to work out of those dreams. Prayer is important – for patience to wait for His timing, for strength to carry through, and for wisdom to know the right way. When you pray for a dreamer and their dreams, you are praying for God to intervene and bring His power, His wisdom, and His resources. When you pray with a dreamer, you implant courage and hope alongside their dream.
3. Be patient while they develop their dreams.
Dreams often take years to develop. They seem exciting and sudden in the beginning, but enthusiasm can die when the long process of working out the details and waiting for the right time dull that excitement. Ask about the dream periodically. Remind the dreamer you are still praying for them. Point out the ways you see God at work. As an encourager, you have the job of giving courage, hope, and inspiration when the tired dreamer is struggling.
4. Allow grace as they discern God’s direction.
Dreams are winding, foggy, uphill journey with many twists and turns. They rarely play out exactly as they seemed in the beginning. But with God’s direction, dreams develop into something bigger and better than the dreamer could have ever imagined! Encourage the dreamer to follow God’s leading even when it may seem to go off the path. Continue to lift them and their dream to God and allow grace to the dreamer and the dream when it is difficult to see the result. Encourage them to trust God and watch together to see where He is taking the dream.
5. Be supportive as they work out their dream.
Even as you pray and listen, there are also some practical ways you can support the dreamer:
- give financially to the dream
- prepare meals or help with the family while they work toward the dream
- brainstorm with the dreamer
- point to resources that might be helpful
- connect the dreamer with others that have a similar dream
- roll up your sleeves and work alongside
- share the dream with others (when it is appropriate)