Broken For Building

What can you expect as you pursue God’s dreams for you? What if you don’t have it all together? What if you encounter obstacles along the way?

In the final part of  our dream series, we will discuss what to expect on the journey to the dream. If you haven’t read the previous posts, you can view them here (part 1), (part 2), and (part 3).

There was quite some time between Joseph’s dreams and the fulfillment of the dream. Although the journey was long and hard, God was with Joseph every step of the way. In the same way, God is with us as we chase after His dream for us. 

In Genesis 37, Joseph’s journey is recounted and yes, he had a rough time. The road to the fulfillment of the dream was in no way easy or filled with chocolates and roses. No, it had thorns, and bumps and some bitter pills to swallow. The awesome news is that God remembered Joseph. He did not leave Joseph to fend for himself. He walked alongside Joseph from the moment his brothers devised the plot to cause him harm. In Joseph’s situation, God was present and He will do the same for you as you chase the very things that He has put on your heart to accomplish. God was present on Joseph’s journey in three ways: divine protection, divine favor, and divine appointments.

1. Divine Protection
Genesis 37:24 notes that Joseph’s brothers decided to throw him into a well. What are the chances that the well would be empty, that there would be no water in it to harm him? This was God’s divine protection upon Joseph’s life.  Even in the darkest moments of life, God is covering us and shielding us from harm. Likewise, as you pursue God’s dream for you, know that He is protecting you from plans to throw you off path.

2. Divine Favor
Along the journey, Joseph had God’s divine favor. Reuben, Joseph’s brother,  tried to save him from the hands of the other brothers. Yes, someone who meant evil for Joseph had a change of heart and instead asked the others to spare Joseph’s life (v. 21). God grants us divine favor for the journey. God places people (sometimes those you least expect) in your path to intercede on your behalf, to interject for you, to put in a good word for you. Yes, Joseph was in a rough place and yes, even there, he received favor.

3. Divine Appointments
As I read the story, I wondered… what are the chances that the merchants that came along would be able to land Joseph one step closer to his seeing his dream come to pass? Throughout Joseph’s story, the right people came into his life at the right moments. God used them to elevate Joseph to Pharoah’s palace. Even in the bumpy moments of the ride, God still carefully orchestrates our steps. Despite the trying moments, the “I want to pack up my toys and get of here” moments, the “no one told me I had to go through all of this” moments, God is walking with you. 

The journey to your God dream will most likely not be easy. You will encounter difficulties and obstacles as you pursue those plans. Just remember that you are never alone on the journey and that The Lord is Jehovah Shammah – “Jehovah is there“.  

When no one else sees the dream, Jehovah is there. When no one else believes in you, Jehovah is there. When you feel abandoned and discouraged, Jehovah is there.  Jehovah is there. He has not forgotten you, He knows your name, He knows what you need.

Jehovah Shammah, thank you that you are there. Help me to remember this as I chase after your plans for my life.