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Ep 344 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/344

What if the people who love you aren’t cheerleaders for your dream?

When God gives you a big dream, you want to talk about it! But what if you shared your heart with someone close to you only to be met with confusion, criticism, or silence?

It’s deeply discouraging when your people don’t get it. But is their response a reflection of your qualifications or the validity of your dream, or is there something else at work here?

Today I’m unpacking three possible reasons why your close friends and family might not affirm your dream and what to do when their response threatens to shake your confidence. Whether their reaction is about fear, practicality, or your difficulty putting words to your ideas, there is a way forward.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
🧠 Why people close to you may not understand or affirm your God-shaped dream
💬 How to respond when your support system doesn’t “get” it
🔁 Three key strategies to shift your mindset and find the support you need

If you’ve ever felt unseen or unsupported in the early stages of your dream, this conversation will remind you where your true affirmation comes from and how to keep moving forward in faith even when it feels scary.

You were never meant to carry this big dream alone. Let’s get you the clarity, encouragement, and community you need to stay obedient to what God has asked you to do. Press ‘Play’ now!

Mentioned in this episode:

Dream Out Loud – practice talking about your dream with other dreamers

Join the Dream Believers community for $40/month or $400/year (2 months free)

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Call
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MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku.

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Ep 343 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/343

What if the dream God gave you is already growing—just in a direction you didn’t expect?

In part 2 of my conversation with Andrea Olson, we explore how God often uses our past experiences, natural wiring, and even disappointments to shape something new in our calling. Andrea shares how a quiet season of listening uncovered a shift in her work, revealing a new mission to equip faith-driven entrepreneurs—something He had been preparing her for all along.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
🌱 Why your dream doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s
🙏 A spiritual practice to help you discern your next steps
❤️‍🔥 A freeing reminder that God’s will isn’t a tightrope but a wide-open meadow

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re equipped for where God is leading you—or feared doing things differently than others around you—this conversation will remind you that God delights in reshaping our dreams for His glory.

Andrea Olson is a worship leader, songwriter, and the founder of Overflow Worship. In this episode, she opens up about doing things differently, trusting God's timeline, and embracing the freedom to walk forward without a clear roadmap.

✨ Want help discerning your next step?
Grab my free 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt
It’s a short, Scripture-rich resource to help you refocus on truth and move forward in faith. You’ll find it at https://www.merrittonsa.com/devo

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Call

Get Connected with the Facebook Community

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku.

Send us a text

Ep 342 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/342

What if your dream doesn't unfold the way you expected?

If you've ever faced a detour or disappointment in your pursuit of a passion project, this conversation will speak straight to your heart.

This week, I’m joined by worship leader, songwriter, and accidental entrepreneur Andrea Olson, founder of Overflow Worship. Andrea opens up about the evolution of her God-shaped dream—from music ministry to equipping worship teams to coaching faith-driven entrepreneurs—and how she’s learned to take faithful, surrendered steps even when things didn’t go as planned.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
🌟 How openness to change allows a dream to evolve in unexpected and life-giving directions,
🤲🏼 The power of surrendered action over stalled-out indecision, and
🎯 What to do when your prayers don’t seem to be answered.

Andrea’s story will remind you that God’s plans are always bigger and more beautiful than what we imagine—even when the path to get there looks like failure or setback.

You’ll walk away with a deeper confidence that He knows what He’s doing and that your faithful obedience matters.

✨ Want help discerning your next step?

Grab the free 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt for a short, Scripture-rich resource to help you refocus on truth and move forward in faith. Grab it here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/devo

CONNECT WITH ANDREA OLSON:

Website || Facebook || Instagram

NEXT STEPS:

Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Call

Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku.