Devo Reflection
ROMANS 8:28
“And we know all things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
GENESIS 50:20
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”
There are dreams that I’ve had that didn’t come true. For a time I wondered “Why, God?? Why would you allow this? I thought that when I surrender my dreams and desires to You, that You’d come through and help be fulfil them!”
Well, this devo knocked me out because of what happened in Joseph’s life. “Just because a few of your dreams have turned out to be nightmares doesn’t mean you should stop dreaming.” – Pastor Tim Timberlake. He had a dream early in his life and when he shared it with his brothers, they laughed at him and thought it was a joke, maybe even unattainable. We learn through Joseph’s story, that he had to surpass many challenges like betrayal from his brothers, discouragement when he fell in the pit, slavery, and even being in prison. How different can that be from what we might experience?
Betrayal sucks – when those you love the most turn their backs on you when you need them the most. I know what that feels like, and it’s NOT easy. Discouragement can result in a downward spiral of negative self-talk or developing unhealthy habits. Being placed in situations you don’t ask or pray for are hard to deal with. But! The bonus is that while surrendering with the expectation that what you want will come to pass, there’s a switch of “humble yourself, Ashley” that goes off.
The surrender that Joseph had with God is inspiring. The dream Joseph had early on in his life before being sold as a slave took YEARS to fulfill. He didn’t lose faith. While the turn of events weren’t exactly how he’d hoped, they still turned out for the betterment of his family, strengthening his faith, resulting in relationships reconciled.
How much have you been dreaming lately? Have you made space to dream? Whether you’re dreaming of the house you’ll own, the partner you’ll marry, or the countries you’ll travel to – dream. I’m encouraged because I know that God’s will through my dreams are far greater than what my feeble little self would ever dream. I’m responsible for letting God know about the dreams He’s placed in my heart in obedience to what His Word leads me to dream.
It’s time to keep dreaming, accept that some dreams may be shattered, trusting that God’s will will always be better than our expectations. As you dream, may you remember Joseph in the bible and how his life turned out after all of the hardships he had to face. Dreaming is good, just remember that it won’t always be sunshine and roses.
God’s got your dreams in mind, let Him know what they are <3. He’s got you.
— Lifeisabeaut ❤
L I F E I S A B E A U T 