Three Principles for Dreamers
Let’s be honest; it’s really hard to keep good news to ourselves. You know: the raise at work, the job promotion, the new house, the paid bills, the health miracle, I could go on. We have to tell someone about it! Our vision, our dreams, our excitement for what is not manifest in the present is good news also because it gives us hope for the future. If we’re not careful, our position as a bold dreamer may land us in a similar place as Joseph in Genesis 37; amidst jealous and violent siblings. Now, I know the vast difference between the dreams Joseph was having and a modern-day entrepreneur or musician having a dream of hitting it big. However, I believe there are some parallels we should consider.
There’s a few principles I believe are important to pull from this short excerpt from the story of Joseph. One, non-dreamers recognize dreamers, without a doubt. They may not acknowledge you, but they do, and many times there is no affinity towards dreamers by the “non-dreamers.” Use caution with whom you share your future aspirations, dreams, vision, and goals with. Not everyone who listens is on your team. Two, dreamers are often uncelebrated, and in many cases, socially persecuted. The boldness and courage of a dreamer to pursue their God-given destiny is intimidating to those who have imprisoned themselves with fear of risk and refusal to be obedient to God’s call. Three, the pains and troubles of life cause many to grow cold and cynical towards those who remain hopeful and faithful to the Word and purpose God has given us. This leads to jealousy in some cases, even hateful feelings. The best thing a dreamer can do is to remain faithful to God’s word, remain obedient to His commands, and love those around you. But, whatever you do, never give up the gift of dreaming, of having a vision for what God is doing, the hope for a better tomorrow.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for stirring in my heart new dreams. Thank You for wisdom and direction to pursue those dreams in Your order. -Amen
When Joseph’s brothers saw him coming, they recognized him in the distance. As he approached, they made plans to kill him. “Here comes the dreamer!” they said. “Come on, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns. We can tell our father, ‘A wild animal has eaten him.’ Then we’ll see what becomes of his dreams!”
Genesis 37:18-20 NLT
