Dream Again!

I love to dream...about anything. I’m not picky, I always enjoy thinking of what could be! What could we do for our next vacation (I have a bit of wanderlust, and this time is killing that!)? How could we have a better house and yard? What could the youth ministry look like? What would be an incredible event that would impact lives?!

The list could go on and on. I believe that is why I have always been fascinated with Joseph in the Old Testament. The original dreamer, one might say! If you are a dreamer, this is for you. If you are not a dreamer, maybe it’s time to be one! God put a dream in your heart. Let’s go after it!

Genesis is the place where it all starts. Joseph has his first dream. A very literal dream. His brothers were going to bow down to him. A few days later he has another dream and his parents would even bow down to him. If you take the time to read this, you will notice that the dream itself almost takes on a character or persona all its own.

Dreams are important. God placed plans and visions, assignments and tasks, opportunities and purpose written on our heart. They are a part of who we are and what we are here for. Satan hates it. In this passage there are three things that he tries to take from Joseph, and in similar ways, from us. Let’s examine them together:

1. Satan tries to take our dreams.

Understand that Satan ‘tries’ to do this. These dreams are ours, and we don’t have to let him. Joseph’s brothers hated the dreams almost as much as they hated him. They were scheming to kill Joseph and said this: “Then we will see what becomes of his dreams.”

What is so offensive about dreaming? Is it because they could not make their own dreams a reality, so they try to kill his? I think Satan hates dreams because when we dream, we honor God. We think about what could be. This is called faith.

A word to the wise, don’t let your dreams die at the hand of those who can’t dream!

This time in history is likely to kill many dreams. Don’t let it. Hold on. Don’t lose heart! Be like Abraham who was praised for his faith by seeing things that weren’t as if they were!

2. Satan tries to steal our coat.

To understand the words of the Bible, we must understand the world of the Bible. A coat was significant. When Daniel was elevated to a high position he was given a coat (outer garment) and a ring. This coat symbolizes authority and position. Elisha asks for Elijah’s mantle. This is where the anointing rested.

In this text with Joseph, he was given a coat from his father. Again, his brothers hated him over it. The coat was his favor. It was ripped from him.

He was then given a coat from Potiphar. This too was authority and position. What happens? Enter Potiphar’s wife! She takes it from him.

Satan will do the same. He may take your coat, but he can’t take your position in Christ. Nothing can snatch you from His hands! And don’t forget, these coats weren’t the dream. God has a coat waiting for him. He needed Joseph to mature and grow into it!

He goes to Pharaoh, interprets a dream and is given a coat. One that can save his family and fulfill his dream! If you have had something taken from you during this time, don’t lose all hope. God has a coat waiting for you. Do everything you can right now, so that you are ready for it!

3. Satan tries to steal our future.

Joseph finds himself in jail. I’m sure he wondered many nights, “how did I get here?” Joseph, like many of us, start with a dream of what our future could look like.

“Surely, it’s in Canaan.”
“Maybe it’s in Potiphar’s house?”
“It can’t be in prison!”

Until you find peace in the prison, you won’t have peace in the palace.

Until you find joy in the jail, you won’t have joy in the jubilee.

Jubilee, in Bible terms, is a time when all is restored to you. This is similar to what Joseph is going through. This tradition wasn’t established until much later, but God’s principles are eternal.

Again, this could be the way you feel right now. Satan stole your future. He stole your senior year. He stole your retirement. He stole your social connections and friendships. If we hold on to God during this time, He will hold on to our future!