Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. He said to them, “Please listen to this dream which I have had; for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and lo, my sheaf rose up and also stood erect; and behold, your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to my sheaf.” Then his brothers said to him, “Are you actually going to reign over us? Or are you really going to rule over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.
Now he had still another dream, and related it to his brothers, and said, “Lo, I have had still another dream; and behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” He related it to his father and to his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have had? Shall I and your mother and your brothers actually come to bow ourselves down before you to the ground?” His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind. Genesis 37:5-11 NASB
God gives people dreams. Perhaps you’ve had one so profound you had to share it. Sometimes we ought to keep our dreams to ourselves or limited to trusted friends. Joseph told his dream of one day ruling over his siblings to them. Their reaction was predictable- “they hated him even more”. Even his father who loved him, saw a problem in Joseph’s unfiltered sharing. Discretion is the better part of valor. This is not to say we should discount the dreams God gives us. Quite the opposite, we should hold them with the highest regard and draw from them the strength necessary to become who God wants us to be.
What dreams has God given me? Who are the trusted ones with whom I can share it?
God, as this day begins- I am close to completing a season in pursuit of a dream I believe You gave me. Thank you for my lovely wife and a few trusted friends like Wes, Vince, and my brothers with whom I could share it and receive encouragement. Thank you for protecting me from the jealous “brothers” who would have killed it long ago. Today, I must be diligent to complete many tasks. I need Your help and favor as well. Let’s accomplish much for the kingdom today.
