“God grant me the courage not to give up what I think is right even though I think it is hopeless.” - Chester W. Nimitz

As you look at your dream do you believe it is God's purpose for you?  Do you believe without a doubt, that this dream is the very best you have to offer?  If you believe those two things, then you just may be willing to pay the price to see your dream into reality. You will stay true to the cause, whether there are resources to proceed or a void from which you find that the only gift at times is you.  

I think everyone engaged in non-profit work dreams that a great angel will come along and make it easier.  The angel will tell someone you are worthy of support.  He will  inspire them by your dedication.  The angel will remove those who frustrate your cause, and will deliver into their place others more helpful.  He will speak to your enemies and say, "Let him pass."  And it might be so, but more often the power of our faithfulness is found in stepping up to the edge of the boat like Peter saying, "Lord if that is you, beckon me to walk on the water with you."  Not every story has a great victory.  Not every worthy dream, finds its fulfillment.  People will mock and laugh to the demise of their efforts while you sit unsupported with an possibility of transformation. 

As I look at my dream to reduce poverty, there is a huge chasm between what is, and what I hope to accomplish.  Will God provide what I think I need?  I simply do not know.  But what I do know is that I cannot quit.  The fight is to cross the line of victory, or to give it all trying. It's really a gift that we have limits to our ability.  In that way, because our discernment is so easily obfuscated, we can give our all to our task and trust the rest to Him.   

The psalmist said, "Unless the Lord builds the house those who build it labor in vain..."   Just because his building schedule is untimely to us, it doesn't mean God is late to the job site.