I give up

I give in

Tired of battling

Tired of running

Just tired…

Frustrated in attempting to figure it out

Help me

I surrender

Strengthen me

Restore me from my wrong

Fill me

Whatever it is Lord, here am I

Acknowledging who you are

You’re everywhere and in everything

You know better than me

Your Will is greater and better than mine

Take out what isn’t necessary

Replace with what is needed

I’m yours use me

You can touch others

Bless others

Heal others

Forgive others

Through me

Yes me…

Help me to forgive others

So you can utilize my hands, feet, voice

To your glory.

I’m yours

I’m yours

I’m yours

Amen

I know this might sound strange but – God worked a month of worrying out in my dream last night.

Ok, picture this – I was in a college course. Not sure what the name of the class was, but the subject matter was WAY OVER MY HEAD intellectually. The math looked like a different language and the professor was unrelenting and strict. Of course Daphne, true to form, thought she could overcome it and was ready to battle it all and fight through the course. In the class I was embarrassed when I attempted to present in front of everyone with my fellow group of students. Everything that could go wrong went wrong. The PowerPoint went haywire and I couldn’t get words out of my mouth right.

I became very frustrated and irritated in my dream with myself and the professor till I recognized – I WAS IN WAY OVER MY HEAD! (Can you believe I even said that I felt like hurting the professor?? Which in my dream, some of my classmates immediately went to tell her…)

I then went to the professor and said – “Look, I don’t even need your class to graduate. I’ve passed all the courses in my major. Your class is an elective. This is the first day of class in this course and I can bow out. I can withdraw.”

IMMEDIATELY my tension and anxiousness eased. My stress level lowered. (Yes, I’ve been highly stressed this month.) My professor looked at me, smiled, and said I’m glad you accepted that you could not handle the subject matter. She hugged me and said, “That’s one less student in this huge class. Go! Be successful in what you’re meant to do.”

I think this was God’s way of telling me I haven’t been successful or effective lately because I’ve been walking out of my own prescribed lane. I was in over my head attempting to solve complex problems on a level beyond me. A level that is for God to handle. You see, I instinctively want or think I can fix everything! While doing this I’ve made myself completely frustrated.

We often say, “I can do ALL things…” but forget to also add and truly act on the “through Christ that strengthens me.” We try to accomplish things on our own.

“Seek the LORD and His strength, seek His face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

Now that I review what’s been happening- I have been working/walking in my own strength. The issues that keep me up at night are not issues that I can overcome on my own. They are not problems that are within my prescribed sphere of influence or know-how. Hence, the frustration and stress I feel. I need support. I need to concede. I need God who knows everything to intercede and strengthen me.

After careful consideration and my dream, I’ve pondered that perhaps I’ve attempted tasks in my own strength. I think I’ve been taking on EVERYTHING – not just those things God has assigned to me. I have taken on His work.

I heard the message and am now prayerfully adjusting. I’m learning to say no and admit I don’t have all the answers or can do all the “right” actions. I am now increasing my prayer life to give those complex issues to the one who is able to control and handle them much better than I can. It’s an ongoing process for me. I keep wanting to be “the fixer” when I don’t have the strength. I need to keep seeking The Fixer and allow Him to do His job only stepping in when He instructs me.

Be assured He will let us know through our frustration or unsettling when we’re over our heads and correct us. In yielding our complicated lives to God through seeking Him, He is able to strengthen and guide us to get through. Those subjects “over our heads” then become bearable.

Pray along with me for forgiveness for stepping out of bounds, along with the wisdom to not only know, but recognize our own capability/capacity and reality of God’s.

My daily verse from the Bible app pinged this morning. As usual I picked up my phone and read.

“The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” Exodus‬ ‭14:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It hit like a ton of bricks! Then, it released my anxiety. (Yeah, had an issue at work along with many other issues and I had became anxious.)

In Exodus God, through Moses, directed the Israelites to leave a situation that was bad, limiting and confining to venture into a place they did not know but then would encounter more freedom. God told them to go. Their enemy let them go at first, but then pursued after them.

The Israelites did not have to battle their enemy. God told them He would fight for them. By day and night He fought for them and then completely destroyed their enemy!

When I see the enemy or a problem approaching, I’m always “cocked“ and ready for battle. If there’s an issue, I’m strategizing and prepping a response – be it in action or words. At times it is effective and on target and others I end up “shooting blanks.” (Perhaps I’m working in my own strength at those times…)

The lesson that I need to fully absorb – that God is in control of EVERYTHING at ALL TIMES! Of my own strength I can accomplish nothing. Thus, He fights my battles even when I think I am.

Ephesians 6:12 tells us:

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

THAT’S GOD TERRITORY!

He’s operating in those places to make “all things work together for our good” – even those situations we perceive as bad. He uses those instances to move us emotionally, physically, or spiritually where He needs us to be. Where we are effective.

Be assured- GOD IS BATTLING FOR YOU!

I’m trusting in the fact that even though it may not look or feel like it – He is! I think of the biblical stories like the Israelites, like Joseph, and even Jesus which demonstrate it doesn’t always look or feel like roses and rainbows. It isn’t always a smooth path for God to be in it. It also at times may be perceived that you are losing, but all along He’s working and battling behind the scenes.

HE’S GOT THIS!

God wants us to recognize it is Him and not us that accomplishes. Unless He directs otherwise, we don’t have to respond or move. It is our job throughout the process to continually give Him all the honor and praise!

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John‬ ‭15:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I walked into Rev. Shysheika Edwards’ office at Christina Cultural Arts Center and said, “I just want to be effective.” That statement must have struck a cord with her that particular day because she stopped what she was involved in and praised God with me.

It’s been my prayer for the past couple of weeks since then – “Lord, I want to be effective.” You see, I’ve felt like I’ve been “spinning my wheels” lately attempting to create, assist, and help in numerous ways with no “traction.” At work and personally it’s been rough. I questioned whether decisions I made are impactful. I’ve wondered if what i say is impactful. I’ve questioned if what I write makes a difference.

What I am starting to recognize – what God has chosen and ordained me to do- I am directed to “go forth.” That means do it and the results will not only be positive, but continue to be a blessing. That’s effective – seen or unseen by me. If God directed you to do it- effectiveness is guaranteed!

Why? Because you were created by God to be a blessing. You were created to do “good works.” That fact is each of our individual purpose. Well here’s an additional scripture I gained from my sorority chapter’s prayer call. It sealed this thought process for me…

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians‬ ‭2:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Let me attempt to give a real life example:

When you go in the kitchen to cook, you are creating/cooking feed others. You rarely take the time to cook to then just stare at what you produced. You want to share what you created. You want it to be enjoyed and savored. You want it to be helpful and beneficial to others bodies. Well, just like when you cook, God wants all the gifts and talents He created in you to be shared. Through scripture He has assured us if we “go forth,” we will be effective.

Now my question is – Are you producing fruit?

Any task God assigns you usually has cursory benefit for you and more impact on others. When we bear fruit and it remains, it usually deals with the people around you. No, this is not about your own health, shelter or prosperity. Effectiveness is about others…

Are your actions producing in others the fruit in described in Galatians 5? “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians‬ ‭5:22-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

What is the result of you sharing? What is being left after the interaction? I caution that there are times we will not know. What we can stand in confidence – if we’re executing what the Lord has led us to do it will be fruitful.

What I love 💕 most in the initial scripture- it’s the realization that I don’t have to worry about being effective and bearing fruit – that’s God’s job! He promised! I only need to recognize God chose and ordained me, stay focused and I will bear fruit which will have staying power. I WILL BE EFFECTIVE! We can walk in what He has asked us to do because HE has granted us that power.

Here’s more reassurance!

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:20-21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

With confidence know you’re effective if you are going forth and blessing in God’s strength.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:1-5, 14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God’s Word or His spoken Word is a powerful tool in the life of the believer. It’s introduction into situations and circumstances of life yields ultimate power and influence due to its Author. We are instructed from God to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” due to its importance. (2 Timothy‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬)

The Bible, the Word of God, isn’t just words on paper. It give us insight on God’s wisdom- which is “the principal thing” to obtain understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)

Here are a few of the “benefits” that the Word of God affords those that believe.

The Word of God:

Creates – “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” Genesis‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬ – By the very Word of God the world was made. When we speaker/study His Word we are able to create also.

Saves – “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” James‬ ‭1:21‬ ‭KJV‬‬ God’s Word cleanses us and saves our very soul.

Guidance – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path.” Psalm‬ ‭119:105‬ ‭KJV‬‬ God’s word shows us direction and guidance.

Gives us Truth & Sets us aside – “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John‬ ‭17:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬ Truth is a verified fact and can be proven. Based on that truth of the Word, we are set aside for Holy purposes.

Builds faith – “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans‬ ‭10:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬ As we meditate on His written Word we are encouraged. We build confidence by bringing His Word to our remembrance.

Motivates – “But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.” Deuteronomy‬ ‭30:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬ God’s Word has the ability to encourage us if we seek it and hide it within our mind and heart.

Correction- “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬ When we allow the Word to permeate our hearts and souls it corrects us. When we speak it out of love we can effectively affect others.

Revives Us – “This is my comfort in my affliction: For thy word hath quickened me.” Psalm‬ ‭119:50‬ ‭KJV‬‬ God’s Word revives and renews us!

Gives Deliverance & Causes Us to Praise – “He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: So he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, And redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. And the waters covered their enemies: There was not one of them left. Then believed they his words; They sang his praise.” Psalm‬ ‭106:9-12‬ ‭KJV‬‬. Just as God demonstrated with the Israelites, He has the ability to deliver us through His Word and once He does we praise!

Tries us – “Until the time that his word came: The word of the LORD tried him.” Psalm‬ ‭105:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬ God puts us in situations where we are reminded of His Word and are tested to prove our own growth and understanding.

***Although this passage of scripture was written by King Solomon for his sons, I pass on to you this final passage of scripture which can also be applied as God is speaking about His Word.

Gives us Life and Health – “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.” Proverbs 4:20-22

“And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord. And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14:10-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Have you ever made a step in faith and then wanted to look back?

I have…

You were comfortable in the status quo. You were existing day-to-day. You were accustomed to routine. It wasn’t the best place. You functioned. You had an idea there was more, but you settled.

Then…

Deep down you know that God told you to relocate. He told you there was freedom. He told you there was more. He told you to move – to improve. He has a better place for you.

If you are/were like me – in deliverance you assumed as SOON as you left your situation that it would be better. You thought that you didn’t have to go through a time of proving by God in the wilderness. A time when you would consider your old times, your old habits, your old ways and the fact that it might have been where you should have stayed. The wilderness isn’t necessarily a hopeful place. It’s usually a place of testing.

We travel into that new uncomfortable space with the enemy threatening, right on our tail trying to overcome and take us back. We think, “I never should have come here.” “Why did I even move?”

It makes you want to look back to the time that wasn’t great, but was familiar. Your old life comes seeking and you long for that comfortable place. The place that doesn’t challenge, the place doesn’t stretch you or your faith. The place where you didn’t grow.

God drops in our hearts like Moses told the Israelites, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

God then protected them from the approaching Egyptians and made provision for them with a cloud and a pillar of light to travel at night. Then he parted the Red Sea and the Israelites walked on dry land to the other side. The Egyptians, still trailing them, were swallowed by the Red Sea attempting to overcome them.

“Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.” Exodus‬ ‭14:30-31‬ ‭KJV

I urge and pray‬‬ you not to look back and long for your settled, familiar, comfortable place. Move! Fear not! God promises will deliver and protect if the enemy attempts to overtake you.

Let us pray…

I apologize in advance. Found and read this scripture and could not shorten it!

“Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God. Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it? Thus saith the Lord, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships. I am the Lord, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King. Thus saith the Lord, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow. Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:10-19‬ ‭KJV

I hear so many folk say – “God is a healer!” or “God is a deliverer!” I know this sounds correct because we hear it all the time. I would like to present a new “thing” or concept of perceiving God through His Word that may change your language.

What we say out of our mouths is very important!

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Since having my own encounter of healing with God is paired with being somewhat of a wordsmith – I now profess and say to others – GOD IS THE HEALER! It is God who healed me! There are no other healers but Him! With other experiences in life I can confidently confess, GOD IS THE DELIVERER! There may be people that assist in my deliverance – but it is ultimately God that allowed it to happen.

Yes, this is the same God that created heaven and earth. The same God that delivered the Israelites out of Egypt. The same God that let David triumph over Goliath! The same God that rained fire down for Elijah! There is no doubt in my mind that He is what He says He is – THE I AM!

Placing an “a” in front of the word healer or any name or character of God denotes there are others that can perform what He IS.

He is the I AM!

“And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say that to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭3:13-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Yeah, I’m feeling like Moses this morning!

We, (yes I’m including myself), need to have faith, speak, and walk confidently in the fact that GOD IS! Hebrews 11:6 states, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

I did not fully recognize the significance while teaching youth bible study attempting week after week to explain many of the names and character of God that I was setting my students up to be able to withstand and survive all types of trials of life!

Coming into full knowledge of who “God is” is freeing! God is our Peace. He is our Strength. He is our Redeemer. He is our Deliverer. He is our Love. He is our Banner. He is our High Tower. He is our Hiding Place. He is our Healer. He is our Savior! And He is so much more…

We are privileged to become acquainted with who He is through His Word. Sure, hearing someone else preach or teach helps, but you’ve got to search and see who He is for yourself. You get to know God through your personal experiences with Him. We should desire as Paul says to the Philippians in chapter 3 verse 10 – “that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death…”

Seek to know God so well that we do not refer to Him as an “a” but as “THE.” As Hebrew 11:6 states that is how we are rewarded for seeking To know Him.

“And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14:13-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It’s a mature concept to “stand still.”

Have you ever asked a very young child or group of children to stand still? I smile as I even ponder the thought. To ask that skill of them is almost fighting a losing battle. It’s innate -they have to wiggle and squirm. They aren’t mature enough to discipline themselves to not move. I watch teachers daily at work tell 3 and 4 year-olds stay still. I always smile. They want to move – you want to them to stay still. Deep down it’s a power struggle.

We too have problems with spiritually standing still – or at least I do.

I contemplate, based on my example above, how spiritually mature am I when I still move or have the urge to move when God has specifically told me to stand still? Often I attempt to say something, to respond to someone’s attack, or to do something to supposedly help my situation. Am I truly listening and obeying God telling me to “stand still”? Faced with those situations just like a child, I move contrary to what God has said. Usually, when this happens my depth of immaturity shows. I can tell how I have not achieved pure surrender to God’s will and way. I recognize that I am a “control freak.” I also am keenly aware that in those instances God is trying to grow me – but I am resistant by wanting to move.

I consider the scripture above and the first thing that stands out is Moses said – “Fear ye not…”

Honestly, at times I’m downright terrified! Fear makes me want to attempt to control situations. (I’m confessing that I am a control freak!) Fear makes me uncomfortable. It makes me want to move or act although being told by God to “stand still. I want to to rectify whatever is happening around me. The loss of control eats at me. Lack of control causes my lack of faith to rule and run amuck. Fear reigns and I feel like I have to act.

But we know and can rely on 2 Timothy 1:

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Fear is not of God! That is not an emotion He gives us.

We must consider – if we view God as the Alpha and Omega, omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient – He knows what’s happening next. He knows what’s best for us. He sees the BIG PICTURE! He’s giving us instructions and a “head’s up” as our closet friend would in whatever situation you find yourself. He does not want us to be harmed.

Therefore, we need to heed the Lord when He tells us to “stand still” and see His Salvation! We need to allow Him to resolve issues.

When He leads us – instead of answering the person that attacked you in a meeting – stand still. Instead of being on offense and attacking in a squabble – stand still. When being aggressive in friendship or relationship there are times God tells us to stand still and see Him work out the particular scenario. It may not look good and may not even feel good for a second or two – as I imagine the Israelites thought when Pharaoh still came after them. In the end Pharaoh’s army was defeated and it worked out for their good.

He is God! More important to know, we aren’t. We can’t control all situations. In fact, we have tendencies to mess up things. God knows what’s best for us. He said He would never leave nor forsake us. He wants us to grow in the wisdom and knowledge of Him. It’s His battle, not ours. It is through battles we get to know him even more as He challenges us to grow. He wants us to have a testimony.

What’s even more amazing – He promised the Egyptians (that person, that problem, that situation) that is plaguing, pursuing and/or bugging us – we will see no more. Rest assure, have faith, fear not, He is fighting for us…

Stand Still.

“And they said to one another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.” Genesis 37:19

People definitely recognize dreamers…and sometimes don’t like them. Dreamers are the people that get teased and are topics of people’s conversations. They unknowingly sometimes draw attention. Emotions about them can even grow to reach even hate.

If you are a dreamer, do not be discouraged! The Bible is full of powerful and successful dreamers – from Moses to Noah to even Jesus. In the scripture above it’s referring to a particular dreamer. Let’s ponder the life of Joseph and then begin to rejoice at what the end will be!

Just like in the case of Joseph in Genesis 37 mentioned above- family & friends see glimpses of what God has imparted into anointed individuals. Their reactions? Well, some revel and rejoice in the potential like his Father Jacob/Israel did. Others, like Joseph’s brothers see the gift/potential and begin to envy and act on those emotions reasoning they are able to affect the dreamer’s outcome to detriment.

To counteract the naysayers and dream killers – dreamers like Joseph have scriptures they can rely. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God is the anchor scripture. (Romans 10:17) God works everything in their lives and everyone around them for good. (Romans 8:28) God has a plan for each and every one of us – He knew us before we were formed in the belly. (Jeremiah 1:5) Those that sow in tears will eventually reap in joy. (Psalms 126: 5) When we look at the life and great testimony of Joseph, these all were most assuredly the case.

The problem – dreamers get so excited and want to tell whomever they can about all that they perceive and have been given. They think others will be just as enthusiastic. They become almost overwhelmed with possibilities and find they cannot hold it within their own mind. To fault and their harm they get way ahead of the manifestation and tell it all. They feel it must be shared! There are times God instructs them to reveal. Some may think dreamers are bragging or showing off – like Joseph’s brothers. I’m not sure if that was Joseph’s intention, but that is how he was perceived and how most dreamers are perceived.

Unfortunately, the above actions attract doubters and enemies. It did not help the situation that Joseph was his Dad’s favorite as his son in old age and that daddy gave him a “coat of many colors.” Joseph unknowingly assisted birthing his brothers’ envy and hatred to grow by letting them know that later in life they would all bow down to him.

Their anger and envy caused them to plot to throw Joseph off track to attempt to disprove the dream. His brothers wanted to kill him and kill the dream but, God intervened and had one brother convince the rest to throw him into a pit and then to sell him into slavery. He then was on a path thought never to recover. It definitely got worse before it became better for Joseph. Through it all, peaks and valleys, he held to the vision God gave.

We learn through Joseph’s journey to eventual triumph that the path in life is not always “straight” and “ease” from dream to fruition – even for those that are faithful through every stage. What we can say is – God is omniscient, meaning He has complete knowledge. Dreamers are to trust in God’s omniscience as Joseph did even though folks and family came against him, falsely accused him, and forgot him. (I encourage you if not acquainted with his story to read the entire recount in Genesis to obtain the whole story.)

Hold on dreamers…people do recognize what is down deep in you. God is faithful and he knows and will work His plans for you. I believe I need to repeat for emphasis – although being thrown in a pit, sold into slavery, jailed, falsely accused, and forgotten about – in the end Joseph prevailed. His ability to remain firm in action no matter what surrounded him proved true. His brothers and father eventually bowed before him.

Joseph, one of the Bible’s greatest dreamers, remained a faithful follower even in the worst of times brought on for no reason. All the steps were a part of the plan God had for him and for those around him. The dreamer came forth…Glory to God!