Dream Again: Trusting God Through Life's Challenges

Devotional

Day 1: God Orchestrates Our Stories for His Purposes

Even when life feels chaotic or off-course, God is actively orchestrating every detail for a greater purpose that we may not see until we look back. Seasons that seem confusing or even painful can become the very moments God uses to bring about blessing, healing, and fulfillment—not just for us, but for others as well. Trusting God in the middle of the story means believing that He is the great conductor, turning the cacophony of our circumstances into a beautiful symphony for His glory. [25:02]

Genesis 45:5-8 (ESV)
And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Reflection: Where in your life do you need to trust that God is orchestrating something good, even if you can’t see it yet?

Day 2: Success Equals Obedience, Not Circumstances

True success is not measured by material gain or outward achievement, but by a heart that says “yes” to God in every season. Joseph’s journey was marked by faithfulness and integrity, whether he was in a place of favor or in a prison cell. Obedience to God, even when it doesn’t make sense or when the outcome is unclear, is the real definition of success in God’s eyes. [21:22]

Genesis 39:2-4 (ESV)
The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had.

Reflection: What is one area where God is asking you to obey Him today, even if it doesn’t seem to make sense?

Day 3: You Are One Decision Away from a Different Life

Every life is shaped by pivotal decisions—moments of courage, forgiveness, or generosity that set off a chain reaction leading to God’s purposes. Sometimes, the smallest act of faith or obedience can change the entire trajectory of your story and the stories of those around you. You are never too far from a new beginning; one decision can open the door to a future bigger than you could ever imagine. [02:36]

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (ESV)
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

Reflection: What is one courageous decision you sense God prompting you to make this week?

Day 4: Not Everyone Can Handle Your Dream

Some people will celebrate your dreams, others may criticize or even try to sabotage them, and some will simply watch from the sidelines. The presence of critics or doubters is not a sign to give up, but a reminder to guard your dreams and listen to the voices that call out greatness in you. Be a dreamer who is so focused on what God has called you to that you are not derailed by the opinions of others. [13:45]

Genesis 37:19-20 (ESV)
They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer. Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. Then we will say that a fierce animal has devoured him, and we will see what will become of his dreams.”

Reflection: Who are the voices in your life that encourage your God-given dreams, and how can you intentionally seek their counsel this week?

Day 5: God’s Timing Is Often Longer Than We Expect

Dreams rarely come to pass overnight; God’s process often takes much longer than we anticipate. Joseph waited 22 years to see his dream fulfilled, enduring hardship and uncertainty along the way. In the waiting, God is shaping your character, preparing you for the fulfillment of His promises, and using your journey to impact others in ways you may never fully realize. [27:20]

Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV)
For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to persevere in faith, trusting God’s timing rather than your own?

Sermon Summary

Life has a way of wearing down our dreams—through disappointments, setbacks, and the relentless pressures of daily living. Yet, God calls us to dream again, to believe that He is still at work, orchestrating every detail of our lives for His glory and our good. Sometimes, we can trace the fulfillment of a dream back to a single act of faith, forgiveness, or obedience that set off a chain reaction, much like the butterfly effect. One decision, one moment of courage, can change the entire trajectory of our lives.

Looking at the story of Joseph, we see a powerful example of how God weaves together the threads of our lives, even when things seem to be unraveling. Joseph’s journey from favored son to slave, from prisoner to ruler, was marked by betrayal, injustice, and long seasons of waiting. Yet, through it all, Joseph remained faithful, choosing obedience over bitterness, and trusting God even when the outcome was unclear. His story reminds us that success in God’s eyes is not measured by material gain or comfort, but by our willingness to say “yes” to Him, no matter the cost.

There are always three kinds of people when it comes to dreams: those who are in the game, those who hate the game, and those who watch from the sidelines. Dreamers will always face critics—often those who have given up on their own dreams and feel threatened by the hope and vision in others. But God calls us to be dreamers, to live lives so compelling that others take notice, and to listen to the voices that call out greatness in us, not those that seek to tear us down.

The fulfillment of a God-given dream rarely happens overnight. For Joseph, it took 22 years from the pit to the palace. Along the way, he endured seasons that seemed “bad” by human standards, but in hindsight, were essential parts of God’s plan. We often label our seasons as good or bad, but only God sees the full picture. What feels like chaos now may one day be revealed as a beautiful symphony orchestrated by the Master Conductor.

No matter where you are in your journey—whether your dream feels dead, delayed, or distant—God is not finished. You have no idea how long your dream may take, who is counting on your dream, or how God is orchestrating every detail for His glory. Trust Him in the middle of your story, and have the courage to dream again.

Key Takeaways

1. One Decision Can Change Everything Every life is shaped by pivotal moments—decisions that seem small at the time but set off a chain reaction of events. God often uses a single act of obedience, forgiveness, or generosity to open doors we never imagined. Reflect on your own life: what “butterfly effect” moments has God used to bring you to where you are today? You are always one decision away from an entirely different life. [02:36]
2. Not Everyone Can Handle Your Dream Joseph’s story teaches us that not everyone is equipped to understand or support the dreams God places in our hearts. Some people, out of their own disappointment or cynicism, may try to discourage or even sabotage your vision. Be discerning about whom you share your dreams with, and remember that critics often speak from their own unhealed wounds. Protect your dream and seek out those who will call out the greatness within you. [13:45]
3. God’s Definition of Success Is Obedience We often equate success with comfort, wealth, or recognition, but God measures success by our willingness to obey Him. Joseph’s life was marked by integrity and faithfulness, even in the darkest seasons. True success is saying “yes” to God, trusting that He is working all things together for good, even when we can’t see the outcome. [21:22]
4. God Orchestrates Chaos Into Beauty Life can feel like a cacophony—disjointed, confusing, and even painful. But God is the Master Conductor, orchestrating every note into a beautiful symphony. What seems chaotic now may one day be revealed as essential to the fulfillment of your dream. Trust that God is at work, even in the mess, and that He is turning your chaos into something beautiful. [28:53]
5. Your Dream Is Bigger Than You Joseph’s dream was not just about his own elevation, but about saving countless lives. Likewise, your dream may impact people you’ve never met and generations yet to come. You have no idea who is counting on your faithfulness, or how God will use your story for His glory. Don’t give up—others are depending on your courage to dream and obey. [27:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - The Butterfly Effect and the Power of One Decision
[02:36] - Life-Changing Opportunities and Missed Moments
[06:31] - The Backstory of Joseph’s Family
[08:32] - Joseph: The Favored Son and the Dreamer
[11:57] - The Brothers’ Jealousy and Betrayal
[13:45] - Three Types of People Around Dreams
[16:41] - Joseph in Potiphar’s House and Prison
[18:49] - Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dream
[20:22] - Redefining Success: Obedience Over Outcome
[21:22] - Joseph’s Dream Fulfilled: Reunion with His Brothers
[25:02] - “But God”: Seeing God’s Hand in Every Season
[27:20] - Lessons from Joseph: Timing, Impact, and God’s Orchestration
[28:53] - From Chaos to Symphony: Trusting God in the Middle
[29:44] - Personal Story: Cancer, Crisis, and God’s Faithfulness
[30:22] - Trusting God with Your Dream
[32:13] - Invitation to Follow Jesus

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Genesis 37:5-11 (ESV) — > 5 Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. 6 He said to them, “Hear this dream that I have dreamed: 7 Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf.” 8 His brothers said to him, “Are you indeed to reign over us? Or are you indeed to rule over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words. 9 Then he dreamed another dream and told it to his brothers and said, “Behold, I have dreamed another dream. Behold, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” 10 But when he told it to his father and to his brothers, his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?” 11 And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.

Genesis 50:19-21 (ESV) — > 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 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. 21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Observation Questions

What was Joseph’s initial dream, and how did his brothers and father respond to it? (Genesis 37:5-11)
According to the sermon, what are the three types of people when it comes to dreams, and how did Joseph’s brothers fit into these categories? [13:45]
How long did it take for Joseph’s dream to be fulfilled, and what were some of the major setbacks he faced along the way? [21:22]
In Genesis 50:20, what does Joseph say about the intentions of his brothers versus God’s intentions?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God allowed Joseph to go through betrayal, slavery, and prison before fulfilling his dream? What might this say about God’s process in our lives? [25:02]
The sermon says, “Success isn’t material things. According to the Bible, success equals obedience.” How does Joseph’s story challenge our usual definition of success? [21:22]
The pastor mentioned that not everyone can handle your dream and that some people may try to discourage you out of their own disappointment. Why is it important to be discerning about who you share your dreams with? [13:45]
Joseph’s dream ended up saving many lives, not just his own. What does this suggest about the purpose of God-given dreams? [27:20]

Application Questions

The sermon talked about “butterfly effect” moments—small acts of faith, forgiveness, or obedience that change everything. Can you think of a decision in your life that set off a chain reaction? How might God have been at work in that moment? [02:36]
Is there a dream in your life that feels dead, delayed, or distant? What would it look like to trust God with that dream right now, even if you can’t see the outcome? [30:22]
Are there people in your life who have discouraged your dreams, either intentionally or unintentionally? How can you protect your dream and seek out voices that call out greatness in you? [13:45]
The sermon said, “Success in God’s eyes is not measured by material gain or comfort, but by our willingness to say ‘yes’ to Him, no matter the cost.” Is there an area where God is asking you to obey, even if it’s uncomfortable or costly? What’s holding you back? [21:22]
Joseph’s story shows that what feels like chaos now may one day be revealed as a beautiful symphony orchestrated by God. Is there a “chaotic” area of your life that you need to surrender to God’s orchestration? What would it look like to trust Him with it? [28:53]
The pastor said, “You have no idea who is counting on your dream.” Who might be impacted if you have the courage to dream and obey God? How does this change your perspective on pursuing your God-given dreams? [27:20]
The sermon ended with a prayer for courage to dream again. What is one practical step you can take this week to move forward in faith toward a dream God has placed in your heart? [30:22]

Sermon Clips

Sometimes I wonder what might have happened with my life had that happened. I had another moment just a couple years later. I was at the end of college, my last semester in college, and I got a phone call super early in the morning from the president of the university where I went, and he said, Jason, this phone call could change your whole life. And I said, let's go. Talk to me. [00:04:47] (18 seconds) #EmbraceLifeChangingCalls

People dissatisfied with their life will try to get you to hate yours. It's because there's people in your life who life kicks out of them the ability to dream. There's people who gave up on their dreams and so they hate you for having a dream. [00:14:30] (15 seconds) #DreamersFaceHaters

A dream will make you different. A dream is gonna set you apart in a world full of people who are content to go to work, check in, check out, eke through an existence. In a world full of people who go home after work, eat the same boring dinner, watch the same boring TV shows, take the same boring shower, and go to bed at the same boring time, who have given up on their dreams, they see you differently because there's something about your life that feels compelling. [00:15:14] (24 seconds) #DreamsSetYouApart

You need to be careful the voices you listen to. There are some voices who will scream at you, but they don't want anything good for you. But there are other voices who might challenge you. And the challenge isn't to push you. The challenge is to draw out of you something called greatness. [00:16:26] (15 seconds) #ChooseYourVoicesWisely

If you want to excel, if you want to proceed, if you want to grow in your job, make it your mission to take anything that you can off of the plate of the person who is leading you so that all they have to do is the most important stuff that is right in front of them. [00:17:26] (15 seconds) #SupportLeadersToGrow

Some of you, your life feels like it's gone entirely different than you ever could have imagined. You thought life was going to go this way and it's gone a different way. And I just need you to hear this, but God, like when you can't see what he's doing, you can trust his character. When he feels like God is silent, you can trust his character. [00:25:58] (16 seconds) #TrustGodInTheUnknown

Some of you feel like you're a million light years away from your dream. If you were to trace the genealogy of your dream back, you have no idea what God has been doing the whole time. And you can never understand it until you look in the rear view mirror of your life. You got to live a little bit before you understand it. [00:26:47] (15 seconds) #RearviewRevealsPurpose

You have no idea who is counting on your dream. No idea. You have no idea who needs you to dream. You have no idea whose family your dream might support. You have no idea the lives your dream might save. [00:27:45] (15 seconds) #YourDreamMatters

There are parts of your life that right now, if you're in the middle of it, probably feel like a cacophony. If you know our story, You know that six months into marriage, eyes full of hope, heart full of dreams, our whole story, our whole world came crashing down. [00:28:53] (19 seconds) #TrustInTheMidstOfChaos

But when you have the courage to say, God, in the middle of my story, I...trust you. God, in the middle of the story that might make no sense at all, I trust that you are the great orchestrator and the author of my story. And when my story doesn't make sense, I will trust your goodness and your faithfulness. What happens when you do is you get to stand someday in the goodness of God and in the fulfillment of your dream. [00:30:39] (30 seconds)

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