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Joseph—An Example of Refusing to Let Go of God-Given Dreams

When I think of a person in the Bible who exemplifies refusing to let go of his dreams, even in the face of difficult circumstances, I think of the Old Testament character Joseph. Joseph was the great-grandson of Abraham and one of the twelve sons of Jacob.

In Genesis 37, God gave Joseph a dream that someday he would be a leader over his older brothers. When we read Joseph’s story, it’s important for us to remember that Joseph heard from God before he heard his brothers’ plot to take his life. Joseph received his dreams before his slavery. And Joseph refused to let go of them when all evidence pointed to his dreams being over and unfulfilled.

God often gives us the dream first to help prepare us with hope for the future. The dreams are what sustained Joseph during extremely difficult circumstances. And your God-given dreams will sustain you too, no matter what your future holds. How do we stay devoted to our dreams, our family, and our faith when we are in the midst of our holding cell, like the one Joseph experienced?

First, when we doubt God, we must be honest about our feelings and questions. Being honest lets us move toward our relationship with God. Hiding our doubts and questions will keep us stuck and powerless. We will not reach our dreams by accident. We will not end up with a stronger faith after times of trial by default. This is an active stance—a battle.

Second, identify and deal with thoughts that are contrary to what we know to be true about God and His plan for our life. While he was in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Joseph continued to believe God was in control. When the cupbearer talked about his dream to Joseph, Joseph replied, “Do not interpretations belong to God?” (Gen. 40:8).  Abandoned by his family, alone in a foreign country, and wrongfully sentenced to prison, Joseph certainly had an excuse to wonder if God was present.

God has every right to remedy our situation or to let our worst fear come to be. Even if He doesn’t answer the way we want, God is still good and on His throne. Our responsibility is with our faith and actions. 

Father, help me to accept the dreams You give me, so that I know how to protect them and hold on to hope.