Hold Onto Your Dream
ICS Daily Devotions
Genesis 37:5 (NKJV) Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more.
For Christians, there are typically four safeguards to consider before deciding to walk out God’s will and calling for our lives. These safeguards are first, a given Word from God; second, the inner witness of the Holy Spirit; third, godly counsel; and lastly, dreams or visions.
However, it is unwise to share your dream with others prematurely because not everyone will be excited about someone else’s calling. Some may try to dissuade you from God’s purpose for your life. Not everyone is supportive or encouraging when we reveal what God has spoken to us. In fact, some people might even discourage you from responding to the call out of jealousy. The devil is the thief of dreams, and he will attempt to talk you out of it, telling you it is impossible and that you are not ready. Therefore, you must be wise about when and with whom you share what God seems to have spoken to you. Meanwhile, you need to understand that walking in God’s call for your life will require faith. It is not something you can achieve on your own. Faith pleases God, so you must keep your eyes, minds, and hearts fixed on Him.
Instead, it would be wise to share your calling with trusted people of faith, because it takes faith to follow God’s call in our lives. Therefore, it would be beneficial to share with those who are filled with faith and who understand spiritual matters.
It is also wise to take time to pray about what God has spoken to you, whether it was the Word, a dream, a vision, or the leading of the Holy Spirit. Of course, one needs to be familiar with how the Holy Spirit guides and bears witness to our spirit concerning what we feel the Lord is leading us to do. We should always seek confirmation from the Word during our devotion. Sometimes, God might have His servant prophesy to you. Nonetheless, we should never act solely on personal prophecy, as it is possible that the person prophesying about you might have missed it or spoken out of the flesh. Personal prophecy should only serve as confirmation of what God has already spoken to you. You are a child of the Heavenly Father. Therefore, He will speak to you personally, not solely through someone’s prophetic gift, even though it may act as confirmation.
Everything will be fulfilled in God’s time. There is no need to try to make what was spoken, what was received, and what was dreamt about to happen through your own strength. God is sovereign, and He will ensure that His plan is fulfilled in His time.
Reflection: Who are the trusted, faith filled people in your life with whom you can safely share what God has spoken to you? What step of faith is God inviting you to take today as you hold onto it?
Sermon Series: Are You Joseph?
