Have you ever excitedly shared an idea with a loved one, expecting to have the person rave about how brilliant of an idea it was, only to hear a string of criticisms and negativity?
This is probably how Joseph felt in Genesis 37: 5-9 when he shared the dream God had given him with those that should have been the closest to him (his brothers). Joseph’s experience brings up two great points for reflection:
1. Be careful who you share your (God) dreams with
(and be careful of how much of your dream you share with others)
2. How do I respond when I hear about the dreams of others?
Be careful about who you share your (God) dreams with
As children of God, we too (like Joseph) have special favor with the Father and honestly, that causes heads to turn and eyes to roll. You are not like everyone else and the dreams and visions that God has placed in you are unique to you.
Sometimes we just talk too much, too soon and we do not allow God to work out the details of his plan for us. It is almost as though we are inviting more obstacles onto our path. Luke 2:19 notes that after Mary saw that she had birthed a great king that others would worship, she did not run out screaming “Come and see my baby. God spoke to me about Him and he is our Lord and Savior.” Instead, Mary “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Likewise, we should try to do the same.
To clarify, I’m not suggesting that everyone is out to see you fail, nor am I suggesting the “trust no one mentality.” I am suggesting that we use the gift of discernment when revealing the dreams that God has given us with others- people may love us, but they may have different visions or wishes for our lives. They may want you to do one thing, when God may be calling you to something different.
Unfortunately, everyone who smiles with you and loves you may not always understand or believe in the dreams that God has given you. This does not mean that you can’t trust anyone; it simply means that you have to use wisdom when sharing the things God has placed on your heart.
How do I respond when I hear about the dreams of others?
Are you a dream builder or a dream killer? Or perhaps a dream hater? How do you respond to the dreams that others share with you? I’m not talking about when your life seems to be going well but when the very thing that you desire the most is the dream that God is allowing this person to have- what then?
Joseph’s brother responded in a way that we should not as Christians. They despised what God was doing in the life of their brother and used that to fuel their hate. On the contrary, when we hear about the dreams that God is giving to those around us, we should use it as a testimony that if God can do it for my friend, surely, he will do it for me.
Everyone’s blessing does not arrive at the same time. Instead, God elevates one to encourage another. To pout and to whine about why someone else is being elevated or why someone else has a vision and I don’t is immature. Instead, use the time and energy to ask God to pour into you what he wants to pour into you. Ask Him to reveal His dreams for you. When our motives are pure, God will honor our requests.
As I reflect on this, my prayer is:
Lord, as I pursue your dreams for my life, help me to carefully discern those who do not have my best interest at heart. An African proverb states: “If you listen to the noise of the market, you will not buy your fish” – Help me to know which noise to listen to Lord, and which noise will deter me from going after the plans you have for me. Enable me to celebrate your awesome power when those around me are receiving and reaching the dreams you have given them.
Next time, we will discuss The Costs of Dreams. Until then, I’m sending lots of love and hugs your way.
findingfemi
April 9, 2013AMEN!! AMEN!! AMEN!! Thank you for this awesome, on-time word!! May God bless this ministry He's birthed through you. May you always have the courage to boldly pursue His dreams for you!!
United Liberians
April 9, 2013Great post, this exact topic is one that I've been struggling with for sometime. I love that you give practical ways that we can use to share our dream with others. I look forward to reading more 🙂
mcurran
J.Harris
April 12, 2013Thank you ladies for the love and support! I pray that God continues to speak so that I can share! Love you lots