Quote

A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.
- Colin Powell

Real Life

In 2008, Lesley Patterson competed in her first XTERRA triathlon, a race consisting of swimming, mountain biking and trail running. She finished ninth.

Over the next decade she would win the XTERRA World Championship three times and place second, four times. She was an impressive triathlete, but she also had another dream. Patterson had studied English and drama, and had a passion for the theatre and films. In 2006 she had bought the film rights to the book All Quiet on the Western Front, and with another writer, began working on a screen play from the book. Each year Patterson paid to retain the rights for the film, exhausting her personal funds. In 2015 she discovered she did not have the funds to once again renew her ownership. Patterson learnt that the Costa Rica XTERRA was soon to be raced and the prize money was enough to repurchase the film rights. She trained hard, but the day before the race she fell off her bike and broke her shoulder. Determined to still compete, the next day she taped up her shoulder, swam with her one good arm, completed the bike and run, and won the event. The prize money paid for the film rights and seven years later the film she helped create won seven Bafta awards.

There are times when we may have a big dream, a lofty goal that is driven by a deep desire within us. We need to be wise about what we are pursuing and why, but if we are sure it is the path we are meant to tread, then strength and a deep determination may well be required to get where we need to be. Even when the dream is from God, there are no guarantees that the path will be easy, but He promises to guide and equip us for all that He desires us to do. He calls us to be patient, to be prayerful (Romans 12:12) and to persevere (James 1:3-4).

Bible Verse

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Romans 12:12

Prayer

Lord when I am faced with what looks like insurmountable obstacles, help me to turn to You for wisdom and strength, that I may give my all in the way You call me to.

Author: Sarah Auld   |   Content Editor: Phil Pawley