Don't Give Up On Your Dreams

Don't Give Up on Your Dreams

Dreams are powerful gifts from God. Throughout the Bible, we see God communicating with people through dreams - Joseph, Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel, Jacob, Mary, Peter, and many others received divine dreams that shaped their lives and the course of history. 

I believe that every one of us has been given dreams from God - not just the strange ones that come after eating pizza late at night, but deep desires planted in our hearts that we can't let go of. These might be dreams for your marriage, your children, your career, ministry, or even starting a company.

Sadly, many of us have abandoned these dreams because life hasn't gone as planned. But today, I want to encourage you to reclaim those God-given dreams.

What Happens When Others Don't Support Your Dream?

In Genesis 37, we meet Joseph, a 17-year-old who received two significant dreams from God. In one dream, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed down to him - which he interpreted to mean his parents and brothers would one day bow before him.

When Joseph shared these dreams, his family didn't exactly celebrate with him. In fact, Genesis 37 tells us "they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words." His brothers were jealous and despised him.

This teaches us an important truth: when God gives you a big dream and you share it with others, not everyone will support you. Some will cheer you on, but others will push back, saying you're not good enough or that God would never give you such a dream.

I wonder how many dreams have been shelved because of discouragement from others. If you're not convinced your dream is from God, you'll likely put it back on the shelf when faced with opposition.

When Your Dream Seems to Be Going Backward

Joseph's story takes a dramatic turn when his brothers plot against him, eventually selling him into slavery. Talk about your dreams going in the opposite direction! Joseph wasn't supposed to be a slave - he was supposed to be a leader with others bowing to him.

In Egypt, Joseph is sold to Potiphar, who eventually puts him in charge of his household. But when Potiphar's wife falsely accuses Joseph, he ends up in prison. Now he's even further from his dream becoming reality.

Have you ever felt like this? You believe God gave you a dream, but everything seems to be going the wrong way. Maybe you dreamed of starting a ministry or business, but obstacles keep appearing. Perhaps, like me in college, you've looked at others pursuing the same dream and felt inadequate by comparison.

When there's a conflict between your dream and your reality, what do you do?

Never Give Up on God-Given Dreams

What's remarkable about Joseph is that he never gave up on his dream. Even in the darkest circumstances:

·      When sold into slavery, he excelled in Potiphar's house

·      When thrown into prison, he managed the prison so well that the warden put him in charge

·      When forgotten by the butler for two years, he remained faithful

Joseph could have abandoned his dream at any point. But he didn't. And I want to challenge you today: regardless of how difficult or impossible your situation seems, do not give up on your dream if it's from God.

If your dream is truly from God, He will put all the pieces in place for it to become reality - even if the path looks nothing like what you expected.

Help Others With Their Dreams While Waiting for Yours

While in prison, Joseph meets Pharaoh's butler and baker, who both have troubling dreams. Joseph interprets their dreams, telling the butler he'll be restored to his position and asking him to remember Joseph when he's free.

Though the butler initially forgets Joseph, this interaction teaches us something important: Just because your dream isn't working out the way you hoped doesn't mean you can't help someone else realize their dream.

God watches how we respond when helping others with their dreams. There are people around you with dreams who need encouragement, an open door, or a unique key to help them take the next step.

I don't want to just be a dreamer - I want to be someone who helps others realize their dreams. Even in your darkest night, don't let it stop you from helping somebody else move one step up the ladder.

God's Timing Is Perfect

Two years after interpreting the butler’s dream, Joseph gets his opportunity. Pharaoh has two troubling dreams that none of his magicians can interpret. The butler finally remembers Joseph, who is brought from prison to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams.

Joseph explains that Egypt will experience seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Impressed by his wisdom, Pharaoh makes Joseph second-in-command over all Egypt, responsible for preparing the nation for the coming famine. 

Consider the timeline: Joseph was 17 when he received his dream and 30 when he was elevated to this position. That's 13 years of waiting, betrayal, and being forgotten. Many would have given up, thinking God hadn't really given them that dream after all.

But God's timing is perfect. Joseph needed to be in Egypt - not in Hebron - because Egypt had the central government, fertile lands along the Nile, and agricultural infrastructure necessary to store grain for seven years. God positioned Joseph exactly where he needed to be.

Your Trials Are Preparing You for Your Purpose

When the famine hits, Joseph's brothers come to Egypt seeking food. They don't recognize him, but he recognizes them. Eventually, Joseph reveals himself and brings his entire family to Egypt.

Twenty-two years after his initial dream, Joseph finally sees it fulfilled as his family bows before him. But his response is remarkable: "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive" (Genesis 50:20).

Joseph recognized that his trials weren't random - they were preparation. At 17, he likely didn't have the character needed to handle such responsibility. His experiences in Potiphar's house and prison developed his character to become the man who could lead not only a nation but also his family.

God's Dream Is Bigger Than Your Dream

Joseph's original dream was relatively small - his family bowing before him. But God's plan was much bigger - saving Egypt and surrounding nations from famine and positioning Israel to grow from 70 people into a nation of over a million.

Whatever your dream is, God's dream for you is so much bigger. What He wants to do in your life is greater than what He's already shown you.

Life Application

Take your dream off the shelf. Don't let dark nights, difficult days, or haters stop you from pursuing what God has placed in your heart. Be an encourager of other people's dreams while pursuing your own.

It may take years before you see your dream fully fulfilled, but if it's from God, it will come to pass. God will do amazing things in your family, business, ministry, and life if you remain faithful.

Ask yourself these questions this week:

·      What dream has God placed in my heart that I've been hesitant to pursue?

·      How might my current difficulties actually be preparing me for the fulfillment of my dream?

·      Whose dream can I encourage or help advance this week?

·      What step of faith can I take today toward my God-given dream?

Remember, the real dreams aren't easy, but if they're from God, don't give up. Don't quit. Be encouraged in Jesus' name.