By Michelle Wallace
Most people know the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. Joseph had the favor of his father, and Joseph had a dream. The word for “dream” in context of Joseph’s story means to become healthy, strong and robust. One commentary further explains: “The Hebrew word for “had a dream” means “to bind firmly.” Joseph became firmly bound up in the dream that God had given him. Dreams that are from God are spiritual experiences that root deep in our hearts, never to be forgotten. “Joseph had a dream,” but perhaps we could more accurately say that the dream had Joseph!”
Recently I’ve been reminded of the importance of writing down our dreams, our goals and vision. In Habakkuk 2 the prophet asked some of the same questions we might ask God today. “Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds.” Then he went to a place where he could listen for God’s answer. Much like Joseph, God gave Habakkuk a vision or dream. He told the prophet to write the vision down and to make it plain so that a runner could carry the correct message to others. In other words, God wanted it legible so that whoever read the message could share the good news. In Habakkuk’s case the news was of the enemies coming doom and Judah’s deliverance.
God told Habakkuk the vision might seem slow in coming but to wait patiently because it would surely happen. Joseph waited patiently too. And the dream sustained him throughout the years, through all the struggles and trials.
The bible tells us without vision people die. Proverbs 29: 18 says without vision the people cast off restraint. They run wild. Wow, do we see that in our world today! Everyone needs to have purpose, a dream, and a destiny.
As we get older we can continue to dream dreams and live the full number of our days strong, healthy and robust, or we can stop dreaming and grow weaker over time.
I believe it’s time to dream again. God wants us to write our vision. I’ll share some of mine. I desire to see wholeness in my home, for myself, my husband and children. For my children to rise up to live abundant lives and do greater things than I ever dared to dream or imagine. I dream of ministering healing to the sick and see them recover in every manner of illness, body, mind and spirit. I have a vision of doors being opened to boldly proclaim the good news to the suffering multitudes. To write and speak inspired words that bring people into their destiny. I long to see restoration, reconciliation, and unity in my extended family and in the church. And for nations to come into the fullness of all God has for them, especially my own.
Maybe these goals seem too lofty. But then I read God’s word and I know my dreams are the same as His. In John 14:12 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” What were some of those works? In Matthew 4:23-25 He taught people the truth of God. God’s kingdom was his theme—that beginning right now they were under God’s government, a good government! He also healed people of their diseases and of the bad effects of their bad lives. People brought anybody with an ailment, whether mental, emotional, or physical. Jesus healed them, one and all. He healed out of compassion for the suffering multitudes, momentum grew and people came from far and near. It’s clear from John 17:21 that unity was on his mind, “I pray that they will be one.”
Having been exposed to the reality of human trafficking, I want to see that evil brought down. I’ll admit the circumstance seems as big as the ocean, and my resources seem as small as a teaspoon. I would feel overwhelmed if I didn’t know the one who can hold the ocean in His hand. Nothing is impossible for God. I’m sitting outside as I write this now and I looked up to see a tree raining tiny yellow flowers. It’s really quite breathtaking and I’m just faith-filled enough to take it personally. Isaiah 35 comes to mind. Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy!
Joseph had a dream. His dream surrounded his own household, perhaps his own country. But God had even bigger plans in mind. In the meantime, Joseph was thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned, ridiculed, and generally beat up by life. He had to decide if the darkness that surrounded him was going to snuff out the dream that God planted inside of him. His circumstance stood in stark contrast to the promise. Yet he stood with integrity and walked in humility. He was put in a place of influence and used wisdom from God. When a famine hit the land he had stored enough food to provide not only for his own but for many other nations as well.
Your vision might be from God if it’s too big for you to pull off on your own. Do others mock and ridicule you? Do they say, “Here comes the dreamer!” Has the enemy of your soul tried to snuff it out through suffering and trials? Be patient, hold on, because one day soon you may be able to say like Joseph: Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—to save many lives.
Connect with Michelle at www.HandofTheKing.com.
