What do you think of when you hear this phrase? For many, this phrase conjures up images of living the “good life” in some way or another, and having some heartfelt and longstanding desire finally granted. Certainly these words imply that a situation that was once only a dream, having no substance, has finally being realized. If we’re honest with ourselves, most of us probably harbor the hope that we might one day realize a dream of some kind. But unlike living a dream, realizing a dream, is not usually a pleasant experience, and often involves a struggle of many years. This principle is not only true of those who have pursued dreams of their own heart, but also of those with dreams that were given by the Lord.
The Bible gives us a great example of this very thing in the life of Joseph. The story of Joseph begins In Genesis 37 at which time, according to the second verse, Joseph was 17 years old. The next two verses make it clear that Joseph was his father’s favorite son out of all his sons, a fact that led to his brothers harboring a deep-seated hatred for their younger brother. Then, in verse 5 we read these words: “Then Joseph had a dream…”
This fact in itself is significant. God himself planted a dream in Joseph’s mind while he slept – a dream that foretold his future. But consider for a moment, why did Joseph have a dream. Jacob had 12 sons, ten of whom were older and one younger than Joseph, and yet it was Joseph who “had a dream.” I believe that there was a direct correlation between Joseph’s favored position in the eyes of his father, the hatred for him felt by his brothers, and the dream implanted in him by The Lord. Ultimately this same connection will exist in the life of anyone who has a God-given dream.
Upon having his dream, in which all his brothers’ sheaves of wheat bowed down to his, Joseph related it to his brothers – as a result of which, they hated him even more. But verse 11 makes it clear that his brothers were in fact jealous of Joseph, being envious of both the relationship he had with their father, and the dreams he had from the Lord. This too, will be the fate of all who have within them dreams planted by The Lord. But it is important to remember that it is ultimately not our brothers but the enemy who is trying to somehow stop the plans and purposes of God in our life.
But the hatred and mistreatment Joseph suffered was just the
beginning of his troubles. From the
time his brothers sold him into slavery until the time he would stand before
the Pharaoh would be some 13 years, most of which was spent in prison. Psalm 105:18 describes his
imprisonment: “They afflicted his
feet with fetters, he was laid in irons.”
Then, even after Pharaoh had made him second ruler over all Egypt, it would still be another 9 years before he would see his dreams fulfilled.
If the story of Joseph teaches us anything, it is that a dream coming true can be a very different thing than a dream come true! Between the time God gave Joseph a dream of his future and the time that dream was fulfilled, some 22 years had elapsed. During this period there was nothing in Joseph’s circumstances that would indicate he “on track” to see his dream fulfilled. But according to Psalm 105:19 it was through this period of Joseph’s life that “The word of the Lord tested him.” Like gold is tried in a fire, God tested Joseph as a result of the treasure he was carrying and, once he had been approved,
“Received the crown of life which the Lord has promised
to those who love Him.”
If you have a dream that was planted inside of you by the
Spirit of God, don’t let go of it. When
the time is right, it will come, you can be sure of it!