DAY 2 – DREAMS GONE WRONG

Quote of the Day: "God can use man’s betrayal or life’s trials to work out His amazing will." - NW

Have you ever had a dream or vision from God? Ever felt called to pursue something specific only to have everything fall apart all around you? You were so sure it was supposed to turn out differently.  

Joseph was given a dream from God about his future. He saw a glimpse into what would be. The thing is, he had no idea the journey he’d have to walk to get there. The heartbreak and loss he would endure before the dream was fulfilled.

We too, get “glimpses” of the possibilities God has for us. Yet I wonder; would we continue on the path He has planned for us if we knew what we were going to face?  

There are so many practical and powerful lessons we can learn from this part of the story. 

As you read through Genesis 37:5-11, I want to share these main thoughts with you.

• Others may not see, understand or support the calling on your life until it actually happens. Joseph’s own father (who favored and loved him) rebuked his dream (Genesis 37:10). David, another great man of the Bible, was dismissed by his family and mocked by his brothers. Yet, God appointed David to be king. They could not see beyond who he was in the moment, to who he could be! The divine purpose God has placed in you may not be validated or recognized by those surrounding you. 

Please hear me and remember this my friend…. It cannot be taken away by them either. You do not need their approval to succeed. If it is from God, it will come to pass.

•  It’s tempting to second guess our dreams when we face obstacles, trials or disappointments….especially when it comes at the hand of betrayal where we least expect it. Joseph’s brothers did the unthinkable. Their deadly hatred caused them to reject him in the cruelest extent. They originally planned to kill him but ended up selling him as a slave to some traveling merchants. Insane right? Joseph had just dreamed that the brothers would be bowing to him and yet, here he was literally being sold into slavery by them (we’ll talk about this more tomorrow).

Whatever you’re facing, we must never forget that we are in a spiritual war. We have an enemy doing everything possible to STEAL, KILL and DESTROY the future God has planned for us. If you are feeling hindered or held back, maybe that’s a sign to fight back! I wonder how many people give up right before the breakthrough? 

I truly believe the greatest miracles are just on the other side of our continued obedience. Even in betrayal and rejection. You’ll see as the story unfolds exactly what would have been at stake if Joseph had given up on his dreams. 

Let me tell you something. David DID become king. Joseph's brothers DID bow. It wasn’t an easy path for either of them, but they didn’t quit. They didn’t bail. They stayed the course and God came through eventually in His perfect timing. I know it can hurt, I've been there and in case no one has said it.....I'm sorry for what you are going through. I'm here to build your faith, to tell you no matter what, I still believe He will do the same for you. 

FAITH – IN – ACTION 

James 1:22 says we should be “Doers” of the Word and not only those that hear it. So, every day we’ll have an “Action Step” that helps us live out our faith in tangible ways.

DAY 2 - ACTION STEP: 

It’s easy to make everything about us isn’t it? Let’s flip the script today. Someone out there is feeling called but not supported. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to do something that will encourage the people in your circle. Who is trying to step out in faith or pursue their dreams? What can you do to help them on their journey?

Discussion Questions for Groups or Personal Reflection:

• What is a dream, vision or calling you have been given by God?
• What obstacles or hindrances are you experiencing? 
• If you are honest, do you feel supported by the people in your life? Has that affected your steps moving forward? 
• Have you been tempted to give up on something recently? What could be at stake if you did give up?