by DP
When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. “Let’s not take his life,” he said… And Judah said to his brothers, What do we gain if we slay our brother and conceal his blood? Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed. Genesis 37:21, 26-27
This was the beginning of Joseph’s plight that would span several years. His brothers were jealous of him because Jacob their father, regarded him as his favorite son. They were particularly upset since he had told them about the dreams he had in which they would show him reverence and submission. They even made fun of him calling him the dreamer and master of dreams and never said a kind word to him. This day, they had plotted to kill him but two of the brothers, Reuben and Judah, interceded for Joseph’s life.
Joseph was known by what he represented, the dreams inside of him. And it was because of those dreams that he was rejected and isolated by his own family. It is very interesting that Reuben means “vision of the son” and Judah means “the Lord be praised”. It is precisely that what saved Joseph’s life; vision and praise. Similarly, it’s in the moments when you find yourself most rejected, isolated and forgotten that the only thing that will bring your dream back to life is the vision that you have and the praise that you give. When everything says around you that your dream is dead or worthless and that there is no future for it, don’t despair. Hang on to the vision God himself has planted in your heart and praise Him in the middle of your situation. Vision will show you the way and praising the Lord will walk you through it.
You might say, “but I am tired and there is nothing in me that has vision or hope.” But there is hope and there is a vision for your life. “How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!” Psalm 139:17 Surround yourself with who believe in you and what you stand for. People that can help you understand the circumstances and offer wise counsel. But even if you don’t have someone like this and don’t understand why, start praising the Lord and you will see that mighty and amazing things will happen.
I am not saying it will be easy. Big dreamers encounter big opponents and obstacles. But if you walk firmly to your destiny, praising God along the way, you will do things above and beyond of what you even thought possible. It’s time to stand. It’s time to walk in your calling. Don’t kill your dreams in the name of reality. Dream a bigger dream. A dream that you can’t do by yourself. You serve a BIG God.
Joseph went through many difficulties after this, but the time came that he was facing the Pharaoh, interpreted his dreams, and became the second in command. So today lift your dream from the pit; your destiny is waiting.
“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”