The Power of a Dream
The Merriam-Webster website defines the word dream in many ways, one of which is "a strongly desired goal or purpose." Most of us at one time or another have had a dream in our hearts; that desire that we long to see come to pass. Sometimes a dream is entirely our idea, but a dream can also be from God. And a God-given dream is one that is worth pursuing.
Joseph was given a dream by God; he actually had more than one dream, and both dreams described him ruling over his family members from a place of power and authority (Genesis 37:5-9). As his story continues, he is sold into slavery by his brothers, works as a slave in Egypt, is framed for a crime he did not commit, and ends up in prison. As Joseph endures injustice, affliction, and troubles year after year, the dream given to him by God is still in his heart. A dream from God always has a purpose, and Joseph's dream served to sustain him during the difficult times of his life. As scripture bears out, Joseph did indeed eventually rule over his family members, rising to power in Egypt with only the Pharoah in a place of higher authority. The dreams that seemed improbable became irrefutable.
Abraham had a dream, or a desire, to have an heir. God took Abraham out from his tent and showed him the night sky, promising that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars.
He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Genesis 15:5 (NIV)
Such an image kept Abraham in faith when it seemed his dream would never be realized.
Jesus had a dream too, and Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) records it:
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Let's look at that in The Passion Translation (TPT):
We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!
Did you see that? WE were Jesus's dream. The dream of seeing humanity freed from the power of sin and death kept Jesus on course. When He bled in Gethsemane, at the whipping post, and on the cross, He was thinking of us. When He took our place and suffered the absolute worst anguish and torture in the darkest recesses of hell, the dream of us being in heaven with Him sustained Him.
That is the power of a dream. A dream from God will support and keep us in both the good and bad times. It will strengthen us when circumstances say we'll never make it. What is your God dream? Every born-again child of God has been given at least one. If you have let go of your dream, it is time to dig it out and dust it off. Hold tight to it. Allow it to support you and propel you into your destiny. Keep it in front of your eyes and, by all means, keep it in your heart. And do not let it go. God gave it to you for a purpose, and you need to follow it until it comes to pass.
