In the film and novel Overcomer, several characters experience the death of a dream. A closer look at the struggle of Coach John Harrison yields a blueprint for redemptively walking through such loss.
John does many things wrong in his life and those errors create conflict. But eventually he makes some good decisions with his pain. Here are five things to do when your dream dies.
- Grieve the loss.
Whether it’s a defeat on the court or the loss of a relationship or some other dream, the first step is to grieve what didn’t happen, what you hoped would happen. A follower of Jesus does not have to pretend everything’s okay when it isn’t. Seeing the truth about your situation is the first step toward healing, toward becoming real. You can’t embrace what’s to come until you embrace the loss you’ve been through, so grieve it and pour out your heart to God and, if possible, someone else who cares.
- Believe there’s a purpose behind the pain.
For the Christian, we know God is ultimately in control. He allows us to go through things we’d rather not for our good and His glory. The loss John and the town of Franklin go through is crushing. And one loss leads to another and the devastation intensifies.
The believer in Christ can have a different response to calamity. This is not about cheering and jumping for joy because you’re going through a trial. James says to “consider it pure joy.” In other words, choose to believe God is in this struggle. Just as you go through the grief process, a believer can enter a trial with hope in God. He is always doing more in the details of our lives than we can know, so a bad event can be met with the belief that God won’t waste our pain. Believe that in this loss, God is conforming you to the image of His Son.
- Pray for wisdom, clarity, and direction.
At a number of pivotal points in the Overcomer story, John places his trust and confidence in God through prayer. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” The straight path is not always easy. The death of the dream may cause you to question God’s goodness and care. So you must actively, daily choose not to control things or “figure God out,” but fully lean on Him. Things might get worse and harder if you do this. Keep praying and asking God for clarity.
- Stay open to what is next.
As John moves forward, he takes tiny steps of obedience and faith. He fights becoming closed to opportunities before him. He doesn’t let the death of his dream close his heart. Warren Wiersbe once said, “God doesn’t want us to ignore the past; the past should be a rudder to guide us, not an anchor to hold us back.” John is willing to stumble through some doors and find new friendships and direction because he stays open to what lies ahead.
- Embrace a new dream.
John discovers true significance and purpose in an unlikely place. He also realizes that lasting significance is found in helping others fulfill their dreams. He gives his expectations and hopes to God and in return receives something that fills his heart to overflowing.
In this five-step process, it helps if you’re able to walk with those who love and care about you. Isolation can make this process more difficult and lonely. If you find people who won’t try to rush you through your grief or make you jump ahead in the process, you’ll be able to share the joy of the new dream when you discover it.
Thank you, Chris – your words and stories are always so hopeful and encouraging!
Be sure to check out Chris’ novelisation of the movie, Overcomer. Enter for a chance to win a copy – thanks to Tyndale House – via the Rafflecopter form below!
Life changes overnight for coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team and state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news. When the largest manufacturing plant shuts down and hundreds of families leave their town, John questions how he and his family will face an uncertain future.
After reluctantly agreeing to coach cross-country, John and his wife, Amy, meet an aspiring athlete who’s pushing her limits on a journey toward discovery.
Inspired by the words and prayers of a newfound friend, John becomes the least likely coach helping the least likely runner attempt the impossible in the biggest race of the year.
Chris Fabry is an award-winning author and radio personality who hosts the daily program Chris Fabry Live on Moody Radio. He is also heard on Love Worth Finding, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, and other radio programs. A 1982 graduate of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and a native of West Virginia, Chris and his wife, Andrea, now live in Arizona and are the parents of nine children.
Chris’s novels, which include Dogwood, June Bug, Almost Heaven, and The Promise of Jesse Woods, have won five Christy Awards, an ECPA Christian Book Award, and two Awards of Merit from Christianity Today. He was inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame in 2018. His eightieth published book, Under a Cloudless Sky, is a novel set in the coalfields of his home state of West Virginia. His books include movie novelizations, like the bestseller War Room; nonfiction; and novels for children and young adults. He coauthored the Left Behind: The Kids series with Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, as well as the Red Rock Mysteries and the Wormling series with Jerry B. Jenkins. Visit his website at www.chrisfabry.com.
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Buy at Amazon: Overcomer or Koorong
July 24, 2019 at 12:51 am
I can’t say I’ve had to manage a loss of a dream. My goals have changed and shifted quite a bit as I’ve gotten older but I’ve never experienced the devastation of losing a dream.
July 24, 2019 at 3:32 am
Love these 5 steps! Beautiful 💕
July 24, 2019 at 6:34 am
What a thought-provoking post! This sounds like a wonderful book!
July 25, 2019 at 3:57 am
I am blessed not have been devastated by such a deep loss. But I believe now I would turn to God for help.
July 25, 2019 at 4:06 am
I read the “Left Behind” series as an adult and loved it!! Never knew there was a Left Behind series The Kids – – I have now downloaded it and it’s on the top to read next!! Congratulations Chris Fabry – – I LOVED War Room – and definitely look forward to Overcomer!! I now know what all my grand nieces and nephews are going to get for Christmas – – be warned UPS – I’m ordering a ton of Left Behind: The Kids books!!
July 25, 2019 at 7:13 am
I’ve read all Chris’s books and looking forward to reading “Overcomer” too.
July 25, 2019 at 11:12 am
Overcomer sounds like one not to miss! I’ve not had a dream….
July 26, 2019 at 3:46 pm
I trusted that there was another dream out there for me, that I might not realize at the time. We don’t always know our own big picture & what is to be for us, until we get there.
July 29, 2019 at 2:24 pm
I’m not sure that I can say I’ve lost a dream but I have suffered disappointments and I chose to trust that God had a better plan for me. Thanks for an inspiring post and for this giveaway.
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
November 17, 2019 at 7:39 am
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