Chasing God-Sized Dreams: Courageous Obedience for Women of Purpose

By: Crystal Koelsch

I was recently challenged to pray about my God-sized dreams. Honestly, my first thought was that dreams are for the young—for those with their whole lives ahead of them. As a middle-aged woman, I often feel buried in the everyday routine of life. I realized I hadn’t really thought about my dreams in decades…yes, decades.

I can’t say I had an “aha” moment where God revealed my big dream. But what I am learning is that chasing a God-sized dream is less about arriving at the dream and more about leaning into the journey of walking with Him. I believe that if I stay patient and open, God will light a small spark in my heart—one that grows into more than I could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). I know this because the Bible promises it, and I’ve seen glimpses of His power in my life and in the lives of others.

I think every woman has a dream inside her—sometimes whispered in quiet prayers, sometimes burning brightly, and sometimes just an ember waiting for God to fan into flame. These dreams aren’t just ambitions. They’re born out of faith, prayer, and the belief that God has uniquely called each of us to a purpose bigger than ourselves.

And if you’ve ever felt unqualified, ordinary, or unsure—you’re not alone. The Bible is full of women who likely felt the same. Yet God invited them into extraordinary stories, not because they were perfect, but because they were willing.

What I’m realizing is that the process matters as much as the outcome. The journey of trusting and saying “yes” to God shapes me just as much as the dream itself. Here’s what I’ve been learning:

God Honors Women Who Say Yes

Throughout Scripture, we see women entrusted with important roles in God’s plan. He doesn’t overlook them. Instead, He calls them, equips them, and honors their obedience—simply because they said “yes.”

Bold Obedience Begins With Trust

It takes courage to step into a God-sized dream. The path often feels uncertain or scary, but trusting God moves us forward.

Think of Deborah, who was called to lead Israel as a judge (Judges 4–5). Or Rahab, who protected the spies and was later remembered for her faith (Joshua 2; Hebrews 11:31). Or Ruth, who stepped into an uncertain future and became part of the lineage of Christ (Ruth 4:13–22; Matthew 1:5).

The same God who called them is the One who places dreams in our hearts. And He doesn’t just call us—He walks with us. When God called Esther to risk everything for her people, she may have felt unqualified because she was Jewish and living as queen in Persia. Yet her courage and obedience saved a nation (Esther 4:14–16).

The journey of trusting Him step by step—sometimes without seeing the full picture—is part of how He grows our faith.

Learning to Let Go

Before I can embrace a God-sized dream, I have to let go of the would-haves and should-haves I’ve carried for years. The past is the past, and every choice and experience has brought me to where I am now.

Instead of beating myself up over mistakes, I need to release them to God and make space in my heart for new dreams. This is one of the hardest parts for me, but it’s teaching me that the journey itself—learning to trust, to listen, and to let go—is where God does some of His most beautiful work.

Why It Matters Today

No two women are the same, and neither are their callings. Pursuing a God-sized dream reminds us that the outcome doesn’t depend on our strength but on surrender. Saying “yes” to God not only changes us—it can inspire others and ripple out further than we could imagine.

So ask yourself:

  • What has God placed on your heart that won’t go away?

  • What step of obedience have you been putting off?

  • Who might be impacted if you said “yes”?

Final Encouragement

Anyone can dream, but those who chase God-sized dreams are choosing to align their lives with something greater than themselves. They’re not perfect, but they are marked by faith, courage, and the willingness to trust God along the way.

So be bold—not because you’re confident in yourself, but because you trust the One who called you. Take the next small step, and let God write His story through your life.

You were made for this.

And if you’re looking for more biblical encouragement along these lines, I’d encourage you to check out “Esteemed: God and His View of Women.” This is an eight-week, video driven study of 28 women whom God called to vital roles in His redemptive plans.

What about you?

What God-sized dream are you praying about? I’d love to pray alongside you as you discover the journey He has you on.

Crystal Koelsch is an avid reader and passionate Christ follower with years of experience leading Bible studies and guiding others in their spiritual journeys. Having participated in numerous mission trips both nationally and internationally, including impactful journeys to Brazil and Africa, Crystal has a heart for serving others and sharing the love of Christ. Through leading national mission trips, Crystal has helped bring faith and hope to communities across various regions and remains committed to inspiring others through both word and action.

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