THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOUR DREAMS AND GOD-GIVEN DREAMS

TITLE:  THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOUR DREAMS AND GOD-GIVEN DREAMS

SCRIPTURE:

“Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do. 26 The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads of grain are seven years; it is one and the same dream. 27 The seven lean, ugly cows that came up afterward are seven years, and so are the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind: They are seven years of famine.  28 “It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do. 29 Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, 30 but seven years of famine will follow them. Then all the abundance in Egypt will be forgotten, and the famine will ravage the land. 31 The abundance in the land will not be remembered, because the famine that follows it will be so severe. 32 The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon.  33 “And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. 35 They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food. 36 This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine.”  37 The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. 38 So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?” (Genesis 41:25—37 NIV)

OBSERVATION:

            Dreams are powerful.  Dreams are transformational.  Dreams speak about directions, connection, and actions.  Dreams also have sources of where they came from.  Some come from a personal desire to achieve a certain purpose.  Information and observations that are lodged into our subconscious mind also play a vivid role in what we dream about.  Dreams are subjective and personal, and it is difficult to understand because they are often personalized and internal to the individual.

            Having observed and said the above about dreams, here in this passage, dreams are one of the ways God speaks to individuals.  In this case, Pharaoh and pagan; however, God still speaks.  God did not speak to Pharaoh through the bible, or a preacher, or in a worship service, but he spoke to him in a dream.  I hear stories of many Muslims who are coming to Christ through dreams of him.  Pharaoh did not understand God’s dream and needed help.  His magicians and fortune tellers were unable to interpret his dreams.  Pharaoh woke up with a dream, and in the morning, his mind was troubled, so he sent for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him.

            Lessons and take away from dreams are:

• God speaks to us in dreams.  But NOT all dreams are from God. 
• Dreams from God must be interpreted by those who have the Spirit of God, not by those who do not know God.  Every believer who has a dream that they believe is from God must consult those who are mature and are in a relationship with God.  “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?”
• God-given dreams are for his glory and purpose.  It is not for my desires and wishes. 
• God-given dreams often take time to prepare for.  It is not for instant gratification.  It takes time of His CHOOSING.  Seven years was told to Pharaoh before they saw what God was about to do.
• God-given dreams need preparation.  God is faithful, and he might have already spoken to an individual, but an individual may be unfaithful and chase other dreams that are not God directed but personally driven. 
• God-given dreams are meant for action.  They are not meant for wishful thinking but impact and action. 
• God-given dreams always come true.  God’s dream only glorifies God, not the dreamer. 
• God-given dreams and visions must always be fulfilled in God’s ways. 

APPLICATION:

            This year, I have many dreams and hopes.  However, I am reminded that I must learn the difference between my wishful desires and God-given dreams.  I will look to pursue only the dreams that glorify Jesus and honor him.  I will remind myself daily that my pursuit is no longer to fulfill my wishful thinking but to obey and honor Jesus. 

PRAYER:

            Jesus, I am sorry for the many times that I pursued my own dreams and visions.  I ask you that this year will be a year of depending on you, and I will do my utmost best to hear you through whatever means you choose.  I want to pursue the dreams and vision that you have given me with a passion for your honor and glory.  Please help me to know that your dreams are for your glory and honor.  Amen!