The Economy is economy-ing, inflation is inflationing ...college tuition keeps rising, and yet God keeps placing big dreams in our hearts. Students and parents struggle to find a healthy balance in manifesting dreams, cheering kids on, and submitting to God's will. How do we as Christians respond?
The tension students and families are feeling is valid and real. Pursuing your dreams is so important, but how do we not lose sight of that when reality hits us in the head like a frying pan? Taxes are rising. Food prices are going through the roof. Even going to the movies or out to eat seems impossible. And yet, God's given us God-sized dreams, visions, and callings, but the economy around us threatens to crush them out. We love and long for manifesting, vision boarding, and self-empowerment, but are these things even realistic in the 21st century?
How do we accomplish the big and impossible dreams God places on our hearts when the economic odds are stacked against us?
When Culture Promotes Control, Christians Are Called to Surrender
Today, no matter the economic crises we're facing, it's clear that there is a rise in manifestation culture. We're encouraged to see it, speak it, visualize it, and attract it. Gen Z, specifically, loves it because it offers a sense of control, hope, and empowerment in a chaotic world. Even Christians can feel torn—do we allow ourselves to dream big, or do we avoid it for fear of self-reliance?
According to Yahoo News, 11/11 was a day many believed could be the best manifestation yet: "If you've been holding out for the perfect time to connect with the universe and shift your life or paradigm, this November 11, 2025, 11/11, is your chance. Over the next few days, what you say and visualize will set the tone for the rest of your year. The energy of the 11/11 portal will help you become more self-aware and connected to your inner being, enabling you to tap into your spiritual potential." The sad reality of trends like this one is that they're lasting far beyond the 11/11 magical date. They're not only convincing young adults to go for their dreams, but to do so in an attempt to rule and create the lives they want.
Even the Times of India reports that from November 10th to 29th, there's a powerful opportunity for manifestation in Scorpio. Believing in this period is said to encourage deep internal reflection, clearing emotional baggage, and revisiting forgotten goals:
"If you're someone who believes in manifestation — whether that means journaling, meditating, visualizing, or just living with intention—this retrograde gives you an edge. But you have to understand what kind of energy you're working with."
Friends, are you sensing that something isn't quite right here? Our generation is being drawn to a sense of cultural manifestation that is placed in false power. While it's possible and Godly to pursue the specific goals and manifestations God has placed on your heart, this specific path to manifestation is not the way. So what is?
When God Calls, He Also Provides
Godly manifestation trusts God above all. It does not seek control, but rather surrenders it to the Lord. Furthermore, it offers itself as a living sacrifice to Jesus, becoming less like self and more like Him. Before manifesting any dreams, make sure your heart is in allegiance to Christ and not the fake power this world seems to offer. As Proverbs 16:9 notes, "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps" (NLT).
When it comes to dreams, pursuing God-given ones is still real and holy, even if the finances don't seem to match up. This doesn't mean making poor or unsafe decisions, but trusting the Lord to provide when you truly sense His calling. It's also understanding what season of life you might be in.
Students are asking: "How can I obey God if I can't afford college?" Parents are shaking their heads: "How can I support my child without going into debt?" Here's the reality: These fears are scary and looming. Many are asking, "God, why would you call me to something I can't afford? Why would you lead me to quit my job just to leave me without one now? How can I trust you when I can't see the next step?"
If you're facing any of these questions, I want you to know you're not alone, but I also want you to see what God's Word says about manifesting His dreams for you—the ones deep and buried in your heart. Not the ones the world will try to persuade you with. Remember Matthew 6:33: "Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need" (NLT).
God’s Provision Follows Obedience, Not Predictability
When I left my full-time teaching job to write, I must be frank: I was thrilled, but petrified. Leaving a job I had had for 5 years seemed ridiculous. But deep down, I knew that God was asking me to move on. I'd always wanted to write, and now was the time. He'd made that abundantly clear in timing, messages from others, financially, and many other crazy line-ups. Yet at the end of the day, I still had to leap. Against those who didn't understand (and still ask me what my "real" job is), against those who were worried, against those who were angry, and even against my own fears. Because here's the truth: God had spoken, provided and paved a path, but I needed to say "yes."
No matter the number of "What if" questions or doubts that fill our minds, God's promises don't bend to the economy. His plans for us may shift, grow, and adapt with us over time, but Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. And many in the Scriptures knew what it was like to choose God's manifestation for them over their own, or especially over the culture around them.
Abraham was given an impossible promise. Descendants would carry on his name. But as the months turned into years, and age 50 into 60, 70, 80, he was doubtful. Taking matters into his own hands, Abraham had a son. But God also kept His promise and gave Him the other son He'd always promised. Because provision has never been about numbers, but obedience.
Elijah asked a widow for food and drink. She knew it was her last meal, and then she and her son would die. But Elijah asked her to believe. To take a chance. And she did. God didn't just provide for Elijah, but for the widow and her son, too.
The Disciples had five loaves and two fish. It was doubtful it would feed even five people, not 5,000, and we all know how that story turned out. The examples are numerous. But friends, my point is this: Obedience and trust in God, especially with your deepest dreams and desires, must also be aligned with His will for your life. His provision. And His timing.
When God gives you dreams and promises, He calls us to surrender and steward what He's given us well. Because dreaming big can be biblical, but so is surrendering to the outcome. And when we surrender, He can accomplish far more than we would ever ask, think, or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
How to Dream Boldly and Submit Daily
The tension between manifesting and submitting is hard, but it doesn't mean that dreaming is wrong. Trying to control the outcome is. I want to be clear: Christians can plan, dream, and set goals. In fact, you should! This leads to a fruitful and productive life. But manifestation can often shift our focus from "I attract what I create" instead of "God directs my steps." And we must always remember to hold our dreams with open hands.
Healthy ambition stays rooted in humility. It doesn't idolize dreams, but pursues them by relying on God every step of the way. What does this practically look like?
1. Pray before you plan. Remember to give God the first voice and not the last. As much as a certain job or hobby calls out to you, surrender it to the Lord.
2. Hold your dreams with open hands. This is one of the biggest challenges. I wrestle with it every day. But know that His will and not your own is always better.
3. Be faithful with today's resources. God will give you the desires of your heart if and when they align with His. Stewardship is worship, so make sure to listen and obey well.
4. Invite the community into the journey. God can and will use people to speak to you and open doors. Pay attention to closed doors, but also keep your eyes peeled for open ones.
5. Look for God's creative provision. If God has called you to a dream, I'm a firm believer He will provide, but that doesn't mean you can just sit back and do nothing. If finances are a struggle, look into scholarships, side gigs, grants, or slower timelines.
Friends, it's possible to achieve the dreams God has placed in your heart. Don't give up, but rather, surrender them to Him. God is not limited by culture, interest rates, doubt, tuition, or the job market, and He doesn't give us dreams to tease us, but to build our dependence on Him.
A Prayer to Pursue God's Will in Our Lives
Dear Jesus,
When you give us big dreams and desires, could you help us to seek you above all else? We ask, Jesus, for wisdom, provision, peace, and surrender in our hearts as much as we long for control; your way is better. Let us live in that truth today. We love, praise, and thank you, Lord.
Amen.
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