How to Handle Shattered DreamsSample

Accepting "What Is" and Moving On

One of the greatest lessons we can learn from the story of Joseph is that God can preserve our future and keep our destinies intact regardless of our shattered dreams.

Apart from resilience, which is the ability to hold on to your dream in the face of cruel realities, another quality that helped Joseph attain his glorious destiny despite his shattered hopes was his ability to accept "what is" in every circumstance.

Joseph faced many unpleasant realities and adapted quickly to change at every point without living in denial. This came from his full consciousness of God's presence in every circumstance.

And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. Genesis 39:2 (KJV)

He released himself into God's hands, with full assurance of His presence every step of the way. This equipped him to face life head-on, move on after each setback, and quickly find leverage wherever life led him.

For instance, being attacked, stripped of his coat of many colors (his sense of significance), thrown into a pit, and sold into slavery by his brothers in a single day is too much for any over-indulged child who had known only comfort all his life. The drastic change in status is enough to paralyze anyone for life, but not Joseph.

Joseph accepted "what is" in every battle, rose to the challenge quickly, and embraced his new life with full confidence in God. Even when his situation suddenly worsened and he became a prisoner, he still used his gift to serve others gracefully, until he emerged as the head. He maximized every new phase of his journey and emerged victorious at the end of every battle.

The Psalmist said, "

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me" (Psalms 23:4 KJV).

Joseph never sat in his valley. He just kept walking, no matter how dark it grew. No wonder he eventually walked out triumphant!

Your grief over your shattered dreams, heartbreak, beloved lost ones, or other life disruptions is valid. And no matter how long you grieve, please note that you are seen and heard.

However, please understand that God wants you to be encouraged. He wants to give you the grace to embrace strength and recovery. Furthermore, He wants to empower you to walk towards a brand new life.

Walter Anderson, the renowned 20th-century American painter and writer once said, "Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have - life itself." What an excellent attitude toward life!

It is time to accept "what is", leave what is gone behind, and move on.

In the mighty name of Jesus, may you receive the grace and inner strength to leave what is gone behind and move on where you need to. May you find the strength to face life with fresh vigor. May you be armed with the assurance that no matter what has happened and what you've gone through, God is with you. And may you have the confidence that He will walk you through this dark tunnel into your glorious destiny, anyhow He chooses to do it. Amen.

Please say this prayer:

"Lord, lift me up and let me stand,

By faith, on heaven's tableland;

A higher plane than I have found,

Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."

("Higher Ground," chorus) *

Please lift me Lord, and make me so conscious of Your presence that just like Joseph, I too might receive the grace and strength required to rise through it all from victory to victory till I supernaturally attain my glorious destiny. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

*Higher Ground. (1898). In Methodist Hymnal (Rev. ed., p. 301). Methodist Book Concern.