Tests on the Journey to Divine Dreams

 

Summary

In our journey with God, we often encounter dreams and visions that ignite our passion and give us a glimpse of our divine purpose. These dreams, however, are not simply handed to us; they come with a process, a divine testing that shapes our character and prepares us for the fulfillment of what has been promised. As we delve into the life of Joseph, we see a young man who received a dream at the tender age of 17, a dream that would not come to fruition until he was 30. The path from the inception of his dream to its realization was not a straight line but a series of ups and downs, a process that involved five critical tests.The first test Joseph faced was the pride test. He failed this test when he shared his dream with his brothers, not realizing that not everyone around him would support his vision. This led to his brothers' hatred and his eventual sale into slavery. The lesson here is clear: share your dreams with those who can nurture them, not with those who may seek to destroy them.The second test was the potier test, where Joseph had to serve in Potiphar's house. Despite being wrongfully placed in a position he did not desire, Joseph chose to serve with excellence. This test is about serving another's vision and doing so with a heart free from bitterness. It's about submitting to God's process, even when it involves serving under challenging circumstances or leadership.The third test was the purity test, where Joseph was tempted by Potiphar's wife. His refusal to succumb to temptation demonstrated his fear of the Lord and his commitment to righteousness. This test is about maintaining purity, not just in a sexual sense, but in our hearts, hands, and conscience.The fourth test was the prison test, where Joseph was falsely accused and imprisoned. It was in this place of darkness and isolation that God did His greatest work in Joseph. This test is about how we respond to injustice and character assassination, whether we seek vindication or trust God to be our defender.The fifth and final test was the test of prosperity. When Joseph was elevated to a position of power in Egypt, he was tested to see if he would continue to honor God and treat others with the grace he had received. This test is about stewardship and humility in the face of success and abundance.Key Takeaways:- The pride test teaches us to share our dreams wisely, reserving them for those who will support and nurture them, rather than expose them to the cynicism of dream-breakers. [49:33]- The potier test challenges us to serve others' visions with excellence and humility, recognizing that in doing so, we are ultimately serving God's greater purpose for our lives. [27:28]- The purity test calls us to live a life of integrity, fearing God and choosing righteousness over the fleeting pleasures of sin, knowing that God provides a way out of every temptation. [29:55]- The prison test reveals our character in the face of injustice. It is an opportunity to trust God's justice and timing, even when we are wronged for doing what is right. [33:52]- The test of prosperity examines our hearts when we are blessed with success. It is a measure of our continued devotion to God and our willingness to use our blessings to honor Him and serve others. [48:45]In conclusion, the journey to realizing our God-given dreams is a transformative process that requires us to pass through various tests. These tests are not to break us but to build us, to refine us, and to prepare us for the weight of glory that comes with the fulfillment of our dreams. Let us embrace this process, trusting that the God who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it.

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 37:1-11
2. Genesis 39:6-9
3. Genesis 41:41-43

#### Observation Questions
1. What was Joseph's initial reaction to his dreams, and how did his brothers respond? ([08:21])
2. How did Joseph handle the situation with Potiphar's wife, and what was the outcome? ([28:45])
3. What significant change happened to Joseph when he interpreted Pharaoh's dream? ([44:43])
4. How did Joseph's brothers react when they saw him in his position of power in Egypt? ([48:45])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Joseph's brothers reacted so strongly to his dreams? What does this tell us about sharing our dreams with others? ([08:21])
2. How did Joseph's integrity and fear of the Lord influence his decision when faced with temptation from Potiphar's wife? ([28:45])
3. What does Joseph's rise to power in Egypt teach us about God's timing and preparation? ([44:43])
4. How did Joseph's experiences in prison shape his character and prepare him for his future role? ([33:52])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you shared a dream or goal with someone who did not support you. How did that experience affect you, and what did you learn from it? ([08:21])
2. Joseph served with excellence even in undesirable circumstances. How can you apply this attitude in your current job or situation, especially if it's challenging? ([22:43])
3. When faced with temptation, Joseph chose to flee. What practical steps can you take to avoid or escape situations that might lead you into temptation? ([28:45])
4. Have you ever felt wronged or falsely accused like Joseph in prison? How did you handle it, and what might you do differently in the future to trust God's justice? ([33:52])
5. Joseph remained humble and faithful even when he was blessed with prosperity. How can you ensure that success and blessings in your life do not lead you away from God? ([44:43])
6. Think about a dream or goal you have. What steps can you take to prepare yourself for the process and tests that might come before its fulfillment? ([14:03])
7. How can you support and nurture the dreams of others in your community or small group, ensuring they feel encouraged and not discouraged? ([18:02])

Devotional

Day 1: Wisdom in Sharing DreamsDiscernment is crucial when it comes to sharing the dreams that God has placed in our hearts. Like Joseph, we may be excited about the vision we've received, but not everyone is meant to hear about the plans God has for us. Some may become envious or try to undermine what God is doing in our lives. It's important to identify those who genuinely support us and can offer godly counsel and encouragement. By sharing our dreams with the right people, we protect the vision from being trampled upon and allow it to grow in a nurturing environment. This wisdom in sharing also helps us to avoid the pitfalls of pride, as we learn to humbly seek God's guidance on when and with whom to share our deepest aspirations. [49:33]"Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you." (Matthew 7:6 ESV)Reflection: Consider a dream or vision you feel God has given you. Who in your life has shown themselves to be a trustworthy and supportive confidant that you can share this with?Day 2: Excellence in ServitudeServing in another's vision can be a profound test of character, especially when the circumstances are less than ideal. Joseph's time in Potiphar's house was marked by servitude, yet he chose to serve with excellence. This was not about Potiphar's worthiness but about Joseph's integrity and his commitment to God. Serving well in the place where God has put us, even when it's not where we want to be, is a testament to our trust in God's sovereignty and plan. It's an act of worship and a declaration that our ultimate service is to God, not man. By doing so, we are being faithful in the little things, and God prepares us for greater responsibilities. [27:28]"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24 ESV)Reflection: In what ways can you serve with excellence in your current situation, even if it's not where you ultimately want to be?Day 3: Integrity Amid TemptationThe purity test is not just about sexual integrity but encompasses our entire being—our thoughts, words, and actions. Joseph's refusal to give in to Potiphar's wife's advances was a powerful stand for righteousness. In our lives, we face various forms of temptation that threaten to compromise our integrity. Maintaining purity requires a constant reliance on God and a commitment to flee from situations that could lead to sin. It's about making choices that align with God's will and seeking His strength to resist the temptations that come our way. God promises to provide a way out, and our part is to take it. [29:55]"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV)Reflection: What temptations are you currently facing, and how can you actively seek God's way of escape?Day 4: Trusting God in InjusticeThe prison test is perhaps one of the most difficult because it involves suffering for doing what is right. Joseph was wrongly accused and imprisoned, yet he did not become bitter or seek revenge. Instead, he trusted God to be his defender. When we face injustice, our natural inclination is to fight back or become resentful. However, God calls us to a different response—one of trust and patience. It's in these times of trial that our character is refined, and our faith is proven genuine. We must remember that God's justice prevails, and in His time, He will vindicate us. [33:52]"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10 ESV)Reflection: How can you respond with trust in God when faced with injustice, rather than taking matters into your own hands?Day 5: Humility in AbundanceThe test of prosperity examines our hearts when we are blessed with success. Joseph's rise to power in Egypt was a test of whether he would remain faithful to God and use his position to serve others. Prosperity can lead to pride if we forget the Source of our blessings. It's essential to remain humble, recognizing that everything we have is from God and is to be used for His glory. This means stewarding our resources wisely, continuing to depend on God, and being generous towards others. In doing so, we honor God and demonstrate that our trust is not in wealth but in the One who provides all things. [48:45]"As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy." (1 Timothy 6:17 ESV)Reflection: In what ways can you use your current resources or influence to serve God and others, maintaining a posture of humility?

Quotes

- "The real test comes when you've been rejected, talked about, and cast aside for doing the right thing." [35:38] ( | | )

- "It is in that darkness, in that loneliness, and in that isolation that God does his greatest work." [37:42] ( | | )

- "God will bless you because you walked away quietly... God is a God of Justice, a god of vindication." [38:53] ( | | )

- "The grass can be greener wherever you choose to water it, but you can't water something or a place when you haven't planted yourself in it." [27:28] ( | | )

- "Sometimes your sin issue has more to do with the fact that you really don't fear the Lord as you should." [29:19] ( | | )

- "God will take you through a season where he will not tempt you, Satan will, and in that temptation, he will test you." [29:55] ( | | )

- "The prison test, the test of doing the right thing and landing in the wrong place." [34:26] ( | | )

- "The test of prosperity... will you still continue to honor God, will you still continue to serve the Lord?" [48:07] ( | | )

- "God wants to see what Joseph is made of... will you fold like the world or will you stand firm in my truth?" [31:00] ( | | )

- "The only way up with God is down first. Before God gives you, he must humble you." [21:42] ( | | )

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Transcript
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