Reigniting Dreams: Growth Through Adversity and Purpose

Devotional

Day 1: The Dream is Nothing Without the Dreamer

Dreams, no matter how grand or divinely inspired, remain only wishes unless the dreamer is willing to live through adversity, fight for their fulfillment, and grow into the person capable of carrying them. Joseph’s story reminds us that it is not the dream itself that intimidates the enemy, but the possibility of you stepping into your God-given calling and persevering through every challenge. The enemy’s goal is not to destroy your dream, but to discourage and defeat you, the dreamer, so that the dream never comes to life. Hold fast to your calling, for as long as you keep moving forward, the dream remains alive. [50:27]

Genesis 37:3-8 (ESV)
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him. Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. He said to them, “Hear this dream that I have dreamed: 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.” 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.

Reflection: What is one God-given dream or calling you have let go of or set aside because of discouragement or adversity? What is one step you can take today to revive it?

Day 2: Humility and Wisdom in Pursuing Your Dream

Joseph’s early immaturity in sharing his dreams led to strife and hardship, teaching us that even divine dreams require humility and wisdom in how we steward and share them. Not everyone will understand or support what God has placed in your heart, and sometimes the timing or manner in which you share your vision matters as much as the vision itself. Seek God’s guidance to discern when to speak, when to wait, and how to walk in humility so that your dream does not become a stumbling block for yourself or others. [48:10]

James 1:5 (ESV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Reflection: Is there a dream or calling you have shared too quickly or carelessly? How can you seek God’s wisdom and humility in how you pursue and communicate your vision moving forward?

Day 3: Development Through Adversity

Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace was marked by hardship, betrayal, and false accusation, but it was in these seasons of adversity that he developed the character, leadership, and discernment needed to fulfill his destiny. God often uses our struggles to shape us into the people who can carry the weight of the dreams He gives us. Don’t despise the process—embrace the development, for your scars, your story, and your growth are essential to the fulfillment of your calling. [59:54]

Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Reflection: What is one area of adversity or struggle in your life right now that God might be using to develop you for your dream? How can you embrace this process instead of resisting it?

Day 4: Your Dream is Meant to Bless Others

As Joseph matured, he learned that his dream was not just about his own advancement, but about serving others—even those who had wronged him. The dream God gives is always bigger than our ego and is meant to bless generations, not just ourselves. When you begin to serve others’ dreams and put the needs of others before your own, you step into the fullness of God’s purpose for your life. [01:10:03]

Genesis 50:20 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: Who in your life can you serve or support this week, even if it means putting your own dreams on hold for a moment? How might God use your willingness to bless others?

Day 5: Become the Person Who Can Fulfill the Dream

The dream is just the picture, but you, the dreamer, are the masterpiece God is shaping. Don’t just ask God for a dream—ask Him who you need to become to live it out. Your dream needs your development, your scars, your story, and your character. Let God work on you, and don’t give up when resistance comes. The enemy may try to crush your spirit, but together, as a church and as individuals, we can reignite the fire and become the people God needs to fulfill His purposes. [01:17:20]

Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Reflection: What is one specific area of your character or spiritual life that you sense God wants to develop so you can fulfill your calling? What practical step can you take this week to grow in that area?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a church family to celebrate God’s faithfulness and to reflect on the power and responsibility of being a dreamer. As I shared, my own journey from bivocational ministry to now serving full-time at ALC is a testimony to God’s timing and confirmation. We honored those who serve behind the scenes, reminding ourselves that the church is built on the faithfulness and sacrifice of its people. But the heart of our time together was a call to reignite the dreams God has placed within each of us, using the story of Joseph as our guide.

Joseph’s life teaches us that dreams are not just about ambition or personal fulfillment—they are seeds of destiny, often misunderstood, and always requiring the dreamer’s growth. Joseph’s early immaturity in sharing his dreams led to hardship, but it was through adversity—betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment—that he was shaped into the man who could carry out God’s purpose. The dream God gave Joseph was never just about him; it was about saving nations. Likewise, the dreams God gives us are meant to bless others, not just ourselves.

We must recognize that the enemy is not intimidated by our dreams themselves, but by our willingness to pursue and fulfill them. The enemy’s strategy is to discourage, distract, or destroy the dreamer, because if the dreamer gives up, the dream dies. Yet, adversity is not a sign to quit; it is the crucible where God develops our character, wisdom, and humility. Delay is not denial—God is working on us as much as He is working on the dream.

We are challenged to ask not just for dreams, but for God to make us into the people who can fulfill them. Our dreams need our development, our scars, our stories. We are called to serve others’ dreams as well, knowing that dreams too small to bless others are not worthy of God’s calling. The resistance we feel—whether from the enemy or from within—is a sign that something significant is at stake. Together, as a church, we break through that resistance, reigniting the fire of God’s purpose in our lives. The dream is nothing without the dreamer, and God is calling us to become the masterpiece that brings His vision to life.

Key Takeaways

1. The Dream Requires the Dreamer’s Growth Dreams from God are not instantly fulfilled; they require the dreamer to grow in wisdom, humility, and character. Joseph’s journey from immaturity to leadership was marked by adversity that shaped him into the man who could steward God’s vision. We must embrace the process of development, understanding that God is preparing us for the fulfillment of what He has placed in our hearts. [57:12]
2. Adversity is the Crucible of Destiny When hardship comes, it is not a sign that the dream is dead, but that God is refining the dreamer. Joseph’s setbacks—betrayal, slavery, false accusation—were not the end, but the means by which God prepared him for greater responsibility. Our own struggles are opportunities for God to deepen our faith and resilience, making us ready for the dreams He has given. [52:14]
3. The Enemy Fears Fulfilled Dreams, Not Just Dreamers The enemy is not threatened by our dreams alone, but by our determination to pursue and realize them. His attacks are aimed at discouraging or destroying the dreamer, because if we give up, the dream never comes to life. We must be vigilant, recognizing that spiritual resistance often intensifies as we move closer to fulfilling God’s purpose. [50:27]
4. Dreams Meant Only for Ourselves Are Too Small God’s dreams are always bigger than our personal ambitions; they are designed to bless others and impact generations. Joseph’s dream ultimately saved nations, not just himself or his family. We are called to dream beyond ourselves, to serve others’ visions, and to allow God to use us as instruments of blessing in the world. [70:03]
5. Ask God Who You Must Become, Not Just What You Should Do It is not enough to ask God for a dream; we must also ask Him to shape us into the people who can fulfill it. Our dreams need our development—our scars, our stories, our growth. The dream is just the picture, but we, the dreamers, are the masterpiece God is crafting for His glory. [77:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[05:35] - Offering and Announcements
[07:30] - Honoring Volunteers
[38:52] - Surrender and Worship
[40:04] - Joseph: The Dreamer Introduced
[41:32] - The Immaturity of Early Dreams
[43:12] - Wisdom in Sharing Your Dream
[45:30] - The Dream is Nothing Without the Dreamer
[47:24] - Humility and Handling Opposition
[49:13] - The Enemy’s Real Target
[52:14] - Adversity and the Dreamer’s Development
[57:12] - Growth Through Hard Times
[61:44] - The Dreamer Must Change
[68:35] - Serving Others’ Dreams
[70:03] - Dreams That Bless Generations
[77:20] - Who Must I Become?
[86:22] - Breaking Spiritual Resistance
[93:39] - Worship and Reigniting the Dreamer
[95:44] - Closing and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Genesis 37:3-8 (ESV) — > Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him. Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. He said to them, “Hear this dream that I have dreamed: 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.” 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.

Genesis 50:20 (ESV) — > 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.

Observation Questions

According to Genesis 37:3-8, what was the reaction of Joseph’s brothers when he shared his dreams with them? What specific things did Joseph do that made the situation worse? ([43:12])
In the sermon, what were some of the hardships Joseph faced after sharing his dreams, and how did these hardships relate to his growth? ([52:14])
What does Genesis 50:20 reveal about Joseph’s understanding of his journey and the purpose behind his suffering?
The pastor said, “The dream is nothing without the dreamer.” What did he mean by this, and how did he connect it to Joseph’s story? ([45:59])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Joseph’s immaturity in sharing his dreams led to so much trouble? What does this teach us about how and when to share what God puts on our hearts? ([43:59])
The sermon says adversity is not a sign to quit, but a place where God develops us. How does Joseph’s story show that God uses hard times to prepare us for bigger things? ([57:12])
The pastor mentioned that “dreams meant only for ourselves are too small.” What does this mean in the context of Joseph’s life and in our own lives? ([01:10:03])
According to the sermon, what is the enemy’s real target when it comes to our dreams, and why is this important for us to recognize? ([50:27])

Application Questions

Think about a dream or calling you believe God has placed in your heart. Are you currently in a season of growth, adversity, or fulfillment? What is one step you can take this week to keep moving forward, even if things are hard? ([57:12])
The pastor said, “Don’t just ask God for a dream. Ask Him, who do I need to become to live it?” What is one area of your character or habits that you sense God wants to develop so you can fulfill your dream? ([01:17:20])
Have you ever given up on a dream because of discouragement, resistance, or failure? What would it look like to “reignite” that dream now, and what support do you need from others? ([01:17:52])
Joseph’s dream ended up blessing nations, not just himself. Is your current dream or goal focused only on yourself, or does it have the potential to bless others? How can you expand your vision to include serving others? ([01:10:03])
The sermon talked about spiritual resistance and the enemy trying to discourage or distract us. What is one practical way you can push through resistance this week—whether it’s prayer, accountability, or another step? ([01:26:22])
The pastor shared about serving others’ dreams, not just our own. Is there someone in your life whose dream you can help support or encourage this month? What would that look like? ([01:08:35])
When you face setbacks or delays, do you tend to see them as signs to quit or as opportunities for growth? How can you remind yourself that “delay is not denial” in your current situation? ([01:06:11])

Sermon Clips

Dreams, whether they come through divine inspiration, ambition, or vision, dreams are beautiful. But the dream is nothing without the dreamer. A dream without the person willing to live through it, fight for it, and grow into it, is just a wish. [00:45:59] (22 seconds) #DreamerOverWisher

Now Joseph, just like you, the dream couldn't come to life until Joseph became the kind of man who could carry it with humility and wisdom. [00:56:56] (15 seconds) #JosephsJourneyToLeadership

Most of us give up on the dream at the first sight of adversity. And we look and we love and we cherish and we glamorize these people when simply all they did was stick with it. The dream doesn't have to change but sometimes you do. [01:03:00] (23 seconds) #StewardThePrisonFirst

You can dream all day long, but if you don't get up and move, if you don't get up and start doing something, if you don't get up and begin to become the person that can fulfill that dream, nothing is going to happen. The dream doesn't change. The dreamer has to adjust what the dream adjusts to what it really is. And delay isn't denial. God's not only working on the dream, he's working on you. [01:05:33] (28 seconds) #DreamBeyondSelf

Dreams that only benefit you are too small. The dream God gave Joseph was to save nations. Everybody say nations. Nations. Not just him, not just dad, not just his betraying brothers, not just nations. Stop dreaming in your little small box and dream something that's going to change the future. [01:09:59] (31 seconds) #GenerationalDreamImpact

The church doesn't advance without you. Your business doesn't advance without you. The dream may start with you in mind, but when it's from God, it ends up blessing generations. [01:12:12] (17 seconds) #DreamAndDreamerAlive

Can God trust you with a dream that's bigger than your ego? Can God trust you with a dream that's bigger than you? Can God trust you with a dream at all? Because I don't think God's in the business of wasting dreams. We are, but he's not. [01:12:40] (25 seconds) #CharacterBuildsDream

With Joseph, the dream needed his character. It needed his story. It needed his scars. Whatever dream God gave you, it needs the development that you are going through. It needs the scars on your life, on your arms, on your back, on your mind. It needs your character. It needs your story because without it, the dream is nothing. [01:16:40] (24 seconds) #ReleaseCrushedDreams

Whatever that heaviness was, it's gone. Whatever that oppression was, it's gone. Whatever was crushing your spirit, crushing your dream, it's gone. Now take that into Monday, take that into Tuesday. Take this spirit into your week. Take this excitement into your job. If you got to shout on Monday morning before you go to work, then shout on Monday morning. Whatever it takes. But don't you ever, ever let that spirit of oppression control you like that again. [01:42:36] (32 seconds)

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