One of the ways God shaped my life was by showing me that I didn't have to go out and experience everything on my own.
Learn by Example
Through Scripture, I’ve learned from both the trials and the triumphs of others, like when Moses killed a man thinking he was doing God’s will, or when he got angry and smote the rock and was kept out of the Promised Land because of it. Elijah called fire down from heaven and other great things but got so caught up in pride later on that he ran from Jezebel, asked God to kill him, and lost his ministry to Elisha. King David was a man after God’s own heart, and Scripture shows many positive things about him. But it also shows us his failures, like when he committed adultery and then murder to try covering it up.
The reason I never went into rebellion is because I studied the Word of God from the time I was a child, and it warned me about things. Everything in the Old Testament was written for our benefit so that we could learn what to do and what not to do.
Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
1 Corinthians 10:6–11, emphasis mine
Before I really get into Joseph’s life, it’s important to understand his background. Joseph was the eleventh of Jacob’s twelve sons and the first offspring of Rachel (Gen. 30:22–24). He was also the favorite child of his father and was hated by his older brothers for that reason.
The Importance of Dreams
When Joseph was seventeen years old, he had two similar but separate dreams (Gen. 37:5–9). The fact that God gave Joseph two dreams is really important. When God gives someone two dreams that are alike in nature, it means the thing is established and can’t be changed (Gen. 41:32). It will happen.
You know, God spoke to people all throughout the Bible, including the pharaoh in Joseph’s story; Daniel the prophet; and Joseph, Mary’s betrothed husband, before Jesus was born. It’s important to know that God still speaks to people through dreams, and when He does, it is always significant. I’m not saying that every dream is from God. But God does speak through dreams.
One of the lessons we can learn from Joseph is that before God sends you on a journey, He will reveal something to you about that journey and prepare you for the obstacles that you're going to face along the way.
The dreams Joseph had were very, very important, and they helped shape his life. Of course, God never reveals every detail. If He did, most people would run the other way. Did you know God had a plan for your life while you were still in your mother’s womb? God has a plan for every single one of us. And in order for us to fulfill that plan, we need to have some understanding about what God has for us.
That’s what God did with Joseph. He gave him a vision of what his future would entail, and it became a guiding force in his life. He didn’t know all the details or how he would get there, but God put the dream in his heart. And I believe this is what God wants to do for everyone.
God's Vision for You is Better Than You Think
People who are driven by a vision are the ones who change the course of the world. God’s vision for you isn’t to just survive, occupy space, and then die and be gone. No! His plan is more wonderful than anything you could ever imagine.
If you don't get up in the morning with some degree of excitement about the Lord and where you're life is going, then I guarantee you, you're missing out on what life is really about.
I can’t overstate the importance of having a dream from the Lord. Whether it’s while you’re sleeping or when your eyes are open—open your heart to God’s vision for you—and then start moving in that direction. It’ll help you avoid many problems along the way.
I’ve only been able to give you a tiny glimpse of what you can learn from Joseph, but there is so much more. I encourage you to get my full teaching. This month, we’re offering a special package that includes my teachings Lessons from Elijah, Lessons from David, and Lessons from Joseph.
You can order by clicking “Order Here” below or by calling our Helpline at 719-635-1111—or just complete and return the enclosed form.
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