What if they don't believe?

2 months or so ago, we asked ourselves the question "Who are you?" As God will have it, a week earlier I received this piece - Today's word from Joel & Victoria Osteen - and it tied nicely with that question (comments & italics mine).

Scripture: “What if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?” (Romans 3:3, KJV)

So often, people allow the opinions of others to hold them back and water down their dreams. We have to realize, there will always be critics and naysayers in life. One of the most important things you can learn is that other people don’t have to believe in you in order for your dreams to come to pass. Other people don’t set the limits for your life — you do. It’s not what others say about you that affects your life, but what you say and believe about yourself. In today’s verse, the apostle Paul is saying, “It doesn’t matter if other people don’t believe. Their unbelief is not going to keep me from believing in my dreams.” When God puts a promise in your heart, it’s not up to other people to bring it to pass, it’s up to you!

You don’t need everyone to validate you. You have to follow the voice of God for yourself and allow Him to order your steps.

Today, know that God sees the hidden treasures inside of you. He wants to bring those treasures out and make your dreams reality. As you get rid of the old, defeated thoughts and replace them with what God says about you, you will remove the limits so you can live the abundant life God has in store for you!

EW: We are empowered to "deal" with (& displace) others' disbelief when we can hear (& heed) God's voice (see: http://sapphire-and-beryl.blogspot.com/2011/09/voice.html)