Don't Stop Dreaming

Genesis 37: 5 “And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.” On the surface, Joseph’s dreams seem to suggest a mere symbol of leadership over his brothers and his parents. However, the reality of his dreams would prove to be far greater than the limitation of his father’s house. Such is the case with all who dream. For when we dream, we go beyond the boundaries of familiar surroundings into the possibilities of unknown greatness.

Perhaps Henry David Thoreau said it best: “Our truest life is when we are in our dreams awake.” Allow me to make five observations regarding this scripture text that relate to pursuing your dreams.

1. Don’t Let your haters distract you from dreaming: Joseph’s brothers hated him not simply because of the favor of his father; they hated him because of his dreams. But despite their hatred, he yet dreamed another dream. Even when others are critical of your aspirations and your vision, dream on. But be careful with whom you share your dreams. Joseph was cast into a pit, sold into slavery, accused of rape, and served time in prison, but the dream still lived.  People who are envious, and jealous of your talent, and ambition will often attempt to block your dream. However, with God on your side, it really does not matter.

2. Dream big: Joseph’s dream was huge. Your dreams should be bigger than what you can presently accomplish, bigger than what you qualify for right now. Your dream ought to make people laugh and shake their head as if they are not taking you serious. So in the midst of setting goals and facing obstacles, hang your hat on the loftiness of your dreams.

3. Be excellent and righteous in pursuit of your dream: Despite his barriers, Joseph was promoted to the head of Potiphar’s house and even while in prison he managed the entire facility. Also, be sure to maintain integrity and truth in pursuit of your dream. Joseph was placed in an uncompromising situation when his boss’s wife pursued him daily for sexual intercourse. But he maintained his integrity despite the consequences and refused her advances. Don’t lie, cheat, steal and kill to realize your dream. It will always come back to you.

4. Live to build toward your Dream: From Potiphar’s house, to the prison, God placed Joseph in a position to learn the skills needed to manage the kingdom of Egypt. Place yourself in a position to obtain the necessary resources and skills to make your dream a reality.

5. God is Faithful to bring your dream to pass: As we bring the story of Joseph to a close, it just so happened that when the Butler remembered Joseph, they lifted him out of prison to offer an interpretation for Pharaoh’s dream. And Pharaoh just so happened to make Joseph second in command in the land of Egypt. And it just so happened that Joseph was overseeing the distribution process when his brothers arrived in Egypt to buy corn. And it just so happened that they bowed down themselves before him with their face to the earth. Joseph’s dream became a reality. It may not happen overnight, but determination, hard work and faith in God can bring your dreams to pass. 

Finally, the Bible says in Proverbs 18:16 "A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men."  To the extent that we are more than conquerers through Christ and we can do all things through his strength, God is more than able to help you accomplish your dream.  In fact one of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit as stated in Joel 2:28 "....your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions."  And as we put God first in our lives, He is able to make our dreams come true.  So don’t stop dreaming.