Sharing our dreams and innermost secrets with our enemies, so-called friends or even non-dreamers can only send us into doubt, despair and many other negative emotions that are not pleasing to God. But on the other hand, was it really a mistake that Joseph shared his dreams with his brothers? Didn’t God know everything that would happen even before Joseph was born? Is it possible that God sovereignly orchestrated these events and put things in place so that Joseph could be strong through his journey?

The Time Test

The journey toward Joseph’s dream becoming a reality was a long one. It took him thirteen years for his dreams to be fulfilled. When we get a prophetic word or even a dream from God, we expect it to happen the very next day. And when it doesn’t, we get discouraged.

We see people around us getting promoted and getting their breakthrough and then we get upset and begin thinking, “What about me?” Do we know any of their “pit” experiences? Our main focus should be on God and what He would have us to do.

Let us ask ourselves this question: If Joseph’s dream had been fulfilled, let’s say within two years of having received the dreams, do you think he would have done a great job at it? I think not. Joseph suffered from the “daddy’s favorite” syndrome, did little or no work at home, and was a tattle tale. How could someone rule with these qualities? As Matt. 20:27 says, “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” So in order for Joseph to be a good leader, he had to be a good servant. Hence, his preparation in the pit was necessary.

The Process

Sometimes we believe God for so many things, like a new house, new car, better job, more money, etc. When it does not come in the time frame we expected it in, we get angry with God and say He does not care about us. But what are doing in preparation for our breakthrough, just sitting on the couch watching television, or talking about “Susie” on the phone with your friend? We have to realize that when God entrusts us with things, we need to make responsible decisions with them.

Like Joseph, in order to be a good leader we need to learn to become good servants first. Joseph got his lessons in Potiphar’s house and in the prison. Note something: God was with Joseph during his pit and prison experiences. So when you are going through your difficult situations, remember that God is with you as well. He says in Isaiah 43:2 that, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you: and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when you shall walk through the fires, you shall not be burnt; neither shall the flame kindle upon you.” He also says in Hebrews 13:5, “Let your conversations be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have; for He has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

There are times when we feel that we can help God in the process. Joseph said to the butler, “Tell Pharaoh about me so I can get out of here!” Hey Joseph, have you finished learning your lessons yet? No!!! We need to wait on God and trust Him to bring our breakthrough at the appointed time. Although it is very true that we are waiting on God, it is just as true that God is also waiting on us!

Joseph was hoping that his breakthrough would have happened that day, but it took two more years. No person can help us without God allowing it to happen.

Sometimes we knock on numerous doors only to have them slammed shut in our faces. “Maybe it was a mistake”, we think. Did we ever stop to think that it just might not be God’s perfect time yet? What would have happened to Joseph had he been released from prison two years earlier? He would have missed his timing and would have returned to Canaan to look for his family. He would have missed his opportunity to become the Prime Minister of Egypt and would have probably perished, along with his family and countless others, in the coming famine. His dreams would have never been realized. Thank God that the butler forgot about Joseph! That “mistake” saved nations!

A Spirit of Excellence

Even though we are in our pit experiences, we must continue to maintain an attitude of excellence. The Bible says in Colossians 3:22-24, “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God. Ans whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”

Now if Joseph did not interpret those dreams in the prison with a heart after God, do you think he would have been remembered, even though it was two years after? Even though we are going through our making process, we still need to do things with a spirit of excellence and a good heart. So what if you didn’t get that promotion or that breakthrough you were believing for, you are still expected to help your co-worker who got that promotion ahead of you with a loving heart, knowing that your time is not yet.

So no matter what you are believing God for, if you don’t see the results, you are still to believe and not get grumpy in the process. It may take one day, one month, one year or even one decade, but God will come through for you. Don’t allow your dreams to die. Go through your process with a smile and a grateful heart knowing that when your time comes, you will shine forth with the glory of the Lord, doing exactly what He wants you to do.