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Day 3: Be Wise in Sharing Dreams

Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more (Genesis 37:5 New International Version).

Wisdom and divine discernment play pivotal roles in the art of dream-sharing. This is a lesson that echoes profoundly in the life of Jacob’s son, Joseph. God gave Joseph prophetic dreams of great authority (Genesis 37), but he found himself at a crossroads, where immaturity outpaced prudence. Eager to share the dreams with his family, he unwittingly ignited a firestorm of strife that sent him on a long, turbulent journey before finally becoming a prominent leader in Egypt.

Have you ever had a secret—a thought, revelation, or dream that was known to only you? Were you tempted to tell everyone? If so, you are not alone. Studies indicate that the desire to "spill the beans" is a natural human tendency because it allows one to release the burden of keeping it inside, and it satisfies our motives. I believe Joseph’s motive to share his dream that he would rule over his older brothers was ill-intended. His brothers despised him for being their father’s favorite son. As such, I suspect they did not treat him well. It must have felt like poetic justice for Joseph to share his amazing dream with them. But as evidenced by today’s scripture, they only hated him more—so much so, that they ended up selling Joseph into slavery.

Unfortunately, not everyone will mimic our excitement when we share good fortune. Some may be envious and critical; others may provoke discouragement with their skepticism, doubt, or concern. However, sharing what God promises can also be positive, as was the case with Mary, the mother of Jesus. When Mary learned from the angel, Gabriel, that she was pregnant with the Savior, she did not run through the streets shouting the good news. Instead, she quietly shared with Elizabeth, a trusted relative, and the expectant mother of John the Baptist (Luke 1: 26-56). I believe it safe to say, that Mary used wisdom in sharing; she was confident in the message and exalted the Lord (Luke 1:46), she was selective in whom she told, and she practiced humility (Luke 1:48).

Whether or not to share the intimate messages we receive from God is a matter of personal preference. However, let us be encouraged by the lessons embedded in the contrasting stories of Joseph and Mary. With the right audience, contextual understanding, and motives, we can ensure the essence of our dreams is preserved and cherished.

If you enjoyed this devotional, you will enjoy this complimentary resource provided by the author, 10 Tips for Interpreting and Sharing God-Given Dreams. Grab this resource HERE.