My freshman year in college was an ‘eye-opening’ experience. I moved approximately 60 miles from my home town to attend junior college on an athletic-scholarship. Many of my teammates were more experienced, athletic, and capable of immediately playing collegiate level. I was ‘hands down’ the worst conditioned player. My lack of cardiovascular and muscular endurance caused the team to run more wind sprints than planned. I couldn’t seem to get across the finish line before time expired. It was a horrifying experience. Being ‘singled out’ in this manner was definitely not my plan. Dreading practice became a daily ordeal. I had to choose, ‘fight or flight’. Thankfully, I fought. In my mind, there was no other choice. With improvements came some success, but to my head coach, a reputation had been established. No matter how well or hard I practiced or performed in games, my playing time didn’t improve. Internally without doubt, I knew if the chance was given to me- I would play well.
After a frustrating freshman year, due to my amount of playing time and recognition, I flirted with quitting and transferring to another college. During the end of the spring term, the college’s head assistant coach decided to move on. I respected his authority as a coach; although, he did not play college basketball. He attained a law degree, but decided coaching was his way. Throughout some of our practices, it was easy to see his passion for ‘the game’. When he informed the freshmen class of his upcoming departure, we were upset for good reasons. After making his announcement, I had the opportunity to individually speak with him. During this meeting, he told me something that ‘stuck’. Although, I had struggled to find an athletic identity throughout my freshman season; he saw my uniqueness. He said, '...in my upcoming sophomore season, I could be the leading scorer and rebounder; if I choose'. His prophecy was fulfilled.
Joseph, the son of Jacob, had a similar experience. His vision had the potential of not coming to past, if he would have not accepted his ‘dream’. Joseph, already being disliked by his brothers for being his father’s favorite, expressed his dream to his family. His vision summarized the entire family being under his authority. His siblings and father weren’t impressed and accepted it as arrogance. Joseph was labeled as a ‘dreamer’, as he was not the oldest son (the pre-ordained appointed heir). His brothers devised a plan to get rid of him (Genesis 37). Unfortunately, Joseph’s vision didn’t foretell being sold as a slave and years of trials and tribulations. Joseph endured mockery, betrayal, and wrongful allegations. Yet, his belief in God’s promise and himself helped him maintain Godly integrity. Throughout Joseph’s journey of becoming the ruler of Egypt and saving his family from a massive famine were plenty of opportunities for discouragement. The Bible states that ‘the Lord was with Joseph…’ During Joseph’s hardships, his real identity was recognized by a foreign king. Although, this new country was unfamiliar with Joseph’s God; they saw the favor of God on his life and wisely exalted Joseph because of it. Eventually Joseph’s family was at his door step needing his assistance for survival. Those who attempted to destroy him and God’s plan were publicly humbled. Joseph’s dream became a reality. (Genesis 39-45)
The world is full of doubt and unbelief. Life gives us opportunities to accept others perceptions and final defeat. Joseph’s dream took awhile to manifest. He lived a Godly life and was granted favor. His faith in God’s dream for his life caused him to be righteous. It didn’t take long for others to recognize his talents and potential. It first took him to ‘walk his talk’ and become a person of purpose. His faith activated his future by being proactive in his present. God has granted many blessings to those who choose to obey him. As He is a God who requires faith (Deuteronomy 11:13-15), time plays a role in his will being displayed. People were created to rule and have dominion. However, many people are not doing so, due to following a set of rules that are contrary to God’s commandments. This is the cause to unbelief, despair, and defeat in several areas of life. The end result of these actions is death (Romans 6:15-23); death to peace, joy, and overall health.
God has placed a dream in everyone’s heart. If mentioned to friends and family, your dream, like Joseph’s, may be ridiculed, misunderstood, and labeled. The more you accept this dream and God’s ways in helping bring to past; the more peace you will have (John 14:26-28). As you begin walking in faith of His will, others around you will notice (but, may not verbally express) the reality of your greatness in 'this area of life'. You were created for a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11). Live like it! If you have no ‘dream’, you have even more the reason to pursue Him starting with giving your life to Christ. Jesus Christ has promised his followers a Helper, who will assist in carrying out God’s will. An Assistance who will immediately notice and magnify your gift. By practicing Christ’s way, it will be no need for a coach or authority figure to acknowledge your potential. Deep down inside, you will acquire an unshakeable faith of your future and its holdings. God may use someone to temporarily encourage you, but His encouragement will sustain and remain in your spirit, if you remain in Him (John 14:11-14).
If you choose to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please click on the link below.
www.cbn.com/spirituallife/BibleStudyandTheology/Discipleship/Steps_to_Peace_with_God.aspx
After a frustrating freshman year, due to my amount of playing time and recognition, I flirted with quitting and transferring to another college. During the end of the spring term, the college’s head assistant coach decided to move on. I respected his authority as a coach; although, he did not play college basketball. He attained a law degree, but decided coaching was his way. Throughout some of our practices, it was easy to see his passion for ‘the game’. When he informed the freshmen class of his upcoming departure, we were upset for good reasons. After making his announcement, I had the opportunity to individually speak with him. During this meeting, he told me something that ‘stuck’. Although, I had struggled to find an athletic identity throughout my freshman season; he saw my uniqueness. He said, '...in my upcoming sophomore season, I could be the leading scorer and rebounder; if I choose'. His prophecy was fulfilled.
Joseph, the son of Jacob, had a similar experience. His vision had the potential of not coming to past, if he would have not accepted his ‘dream’. Joseph, already being disliked by his brothers for being his father’s favorite, expressed his dream to his family. His vision summarized the entire family being under his authority. His siblings and father weren’t impressed and accepted it as arrogance. Joseph was labeled as a ‘dreamer’, as he was not the oldest son (the pre-ordained appointed heir). His brothers devised a plan to get rid of him (Genesis 37). Unfortunately, Joseph’s vision didn’t foretell being sold as a slave and years of trials and tribulations. Joseph endured mockery, betrayal, and wrongful allegations. Yet, his belief in God’s promise and himself helped him maintain Godly integrity. Throughout Joseph’s journey of becoming the ruler of Egypt and saving his family from a massive famine were plenty of opportunities for discouragement. The Bible states that ‘the Lord was with Joseph…’ During Joseph’s hardships, his real identity was recognized by a foreign king. Although, this new country was unfamiliar with Joseph’s God; they saw the favor of God on his life and wisely exalted Joseph because of it. Eventually Joseph’s family was at his door step needing his assistance for survival. Those who attempted to destroy him and God’s plan were publicly humbled. Joseph’s dream became a reality. (Genesis 39-45)
The world is full of doubt and unbelief. Life gives us opportunities to accept others perceptions and final defeat. Joseph’s dream took awhile to manifest. He lived a Godly life and was granted favor. His faith in God’s dream for his life caused him to be righteous. It didn’t take long for others to recognize his talents and potential. It first took him to ‘walk his talk’ and become a person of purpose. His faith activated his future by being proactive in his present. God has granted many blessings to those who choose to obey him. As He is a God who requires faith (Deuteronomy 11:13-15), time plays a role in his will being displayed. People were created to rule and have dominion. However, many people are not doing so, due to following a set of rules that are contrary to God’s commandments. This is the cause to unbelief, despair, and defeat in several areas of life. The end result of these actions is death (Romans 6:15-23); death to peace, joy, and overall health.
God has placed a dream in everyone’s heart. If mentioned to friends and family, your dream, like Joseph’s, may be ridiculed, misunderstood, and labeled. The more you accept this dream and God’s ways in helping bring to past; the more peace you will have (John 14:26-28). As you begin walking in faith of His will, others around you will notice (but, may not verbally express) the reality of your greatness in 'this area of life'. You were created for a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11). Live like it! If you have no ‘dream’, you have even more the reason to pursue Him starting with giving your life to Christ. Jesus Christ has promised his followers a Helper, who will assist in carrying out God’s will. An Assistance who will immediately notice and magnify your gift. By practicing Christ’s way, it will be no need for a coach or authority figure to acknowledge your potential. Deep down inside, you will acquire an unshakeable faith of your future and its holdings. God may use someone to temporarily encourage you, but His encouragement will sustain and remain in your spirit, if you remain in Him (John 14:11-14).
If you choose to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please click on the link below.
www.cbn.com/spirituallife/BibleStudyandTheology/Discipleship/Steps_to_Peace_with_God.aspx
