DREAM

Genesis 41:15-16 “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” (KJV)

DREAM

Deliverance Revealing Eternal Arrangements Mysteriously

            God has used dreams to communicate His plans to mankind several times. One of the most dramatic examples we have is the story of Joseph. As a young man God gave Joseph two dreams. Those dreams revealed to Joseph God’s plan to elevate him to a powerful and extremely important position. Later, Joseph’s ability to trust God for the interpretation of dreams allowed him to be instrumental in the deliverance of both the children of Israel and the Egyptians. 

            Listening to the prophetic voice of Joel we come to the understanding that God is not abandoning the practice of revelation through dreams. In the “Last Days” God has promised to pour out His Spirit upon anyone — young, old, male, female, rich, or poor. The Holy Spirit is available to every believer. (Joel 2:28-29)

            There are a few truths we need to accept lest we venture too far out on the limb of insanity and leave conventional spirituality. Not all deliverance unfolds before us in the form of a dream, and not every dream is spiritual. Not every dream brings a revelation with it, but a God-given dream is powerful, revealing, and mysterious.  God-given dreams are powerful. We are shaken by these dreams and we arrive at a new level of awareness. God-given dreams are revealing. We see things more clearly and the heart of a matter is exposed beyond the confines of time and space. God-given dreams are mysterious; they show us the arrangements God has made in advance. They reveal an eternal purpose; so, we present this acrostic as a means of understanding: DREAM — Deliverance Revealing Eternal Arrangements Mysteriously.

            Deliverance and Revelation are both specialties where God is concerned. In the case of Jeremiah the Prophet, his life was threatened and without the direct revelation offer by the Holy Spirit he would have suffered the loss of his life. This passage does not specifically say the revelation took place in a dream; however, God has spoken many times to the Patriarchs through dreams and visions. (Jeremiah 11:18)

            There are, no doubt, even some reading this who can say with assurance, “God has spoken to me through a DREAM.” These dreams always lead us in a direction that defines the path for our lives. The Magi were warned in a dream not to return to Herod. Joseph was warned in a dream to take Mary as his wife. God uses dreams.

            Probably none would argue Jacob’s personality and character had a few flaws — he needed a new direction — but how many of us would admit that we need a DREAM. We need a new direction. If we recall the story of Jacob, he tricked his brother out of his inheritance, tricked his father out of a blessing and was later tricked himself by his uncle who was also his father-in-law.

            When people begin to meddle in God’s plan things get more than a little confusing. You see, at Jacob’s birth, the plan of God was clearly revealed. He would inherit his father’s possessions and be blessed. But, Jacob, like many of us, just couldn’t wait for God’s plan to unfold. He started making his own arrangements and ended up with more than a few problems along the way.

            If we have caught ourselves in the same boat, meddling in God’s eternal arrangements, we need to stop. The truth is: God has a plan for our lives and He will work out all the details! Our life, once we have committed it to Him, is eternally set. The Bible teaches us our value in God’s eternal plan by these expressions of importance, “… I am fearfully and wonderfully made …” (Psalm 139:14 NIV), “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered …” (Luke 12:7 NIV), and “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I set you apart …” (Jeremiah 1:5 NIV). Each of these passages allows us to understand that before we knew God He was interested in us. We became part of God’s Eternal plan through submission to His will. The Arrangements, in our lives, work best when they are left to God. Our salvation is only as secure as our submission.

            Some people get all tangled up in the mysterious aspect of dreams and others dismiss all dreams as the outcome of an upset stomach. Whatever we believe about dreams, God reveals Himself and His plan Mysteriously. God loves each of us deeply. He desires a personal relationship with us. He will reveal Himself and His plan. Are we willing to accept His revelation? (Genesis 31:11 & 13)

            In Jacob’s life the Mysterious leading of the Lord produced financial blessing, physical protection, and reconciliation with his estranged family. God is able and willing to do the same in the life of every believer. Follow the DREAM God gives you and it will get you where God desires to take you. God’s choice to work in our lives is not based on our wisdom, wealth, or position. He offers us a DREAM — Deliverance Revealing Eternal Arrangements Mysteriously, for two reasons — His righteousness and His desire to reveal Himself to us.

            Daniel was a child of God living in exile under the Babylonian King. He was dragged into exile in Babylon. His youth and intelligence marked him as a valuable asset to the Kingdom of Babylon, but it was his faithfulness to God even in exile, which promoted him to a position of leadership. During this process the King had a dream that troubled him and he commanded his wise men to tell him the dream. They could not produce the interpretation and were about to be put to death. Daniel asked the King for time; took the matter to prayer and was given the interpretation. (Daniel 2:19 & 30)

            Like Daniel, from time to time we are called upon to help others understand the DREAM they have been given. God is always faithful to bring the interpretation; however, it is with great care and reverence we wait for the revelation of the matter. DREAM — Deliverance Revealing Eternal Arrangements Mysteriously, God has deliverance of us. Yet, in today’s society we feel surrounded by Godless people who continually show their corruption. We see the truth of Psalm 14 everywhere we look, but we wait in hope and we rejoice as God gives us a dream to follow. We must remember to call upon Him and allow Him to become our refuge. (Psalm 14)

            The world experiences dismay, but the family of God lives in hope. The world is overrun with dread, but the company of the righteous enjoys the presence of the Lord. Our Deliverance is at hand. God is Revealing His plan. The eternal kingdom of His glory has been promised. The Arrangements for our participation in that Kingdom have been established. Mysteriously, God is working His wonders in our lives. Do not lose heart. Do not give up. Keep following the DREAM. Trust God’s plan. He knows why you’re here and He knows what He is doing. The prison was not comfortable for Joseph. The fiery furnace did not start as a “walk in the park” for the three Hebrew children. Our lives are filled with uncomfortable, tragic events, but our submission to God and our faith ensure ultimate victory. Believe in the God given DREAM.