Embracing the Vision: Learning from Joseph's Story
Gen 37:11 And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.
People of vision are often misunderstood, and therefore resented! It would do us good to learn not to judge others so quickly just because we are not at first able to catch their vision! Most who dare to dream and walk by faith will have their share of critics and doubters, but it is those who dream that God calls to be great leaders! Before we criticize those we think dream too big, let us first hear them out; it could be that their dreams are heavenly inspired! Although Jacob rebuked Joseph, it also says that he “observed the saying”. Even though he did not understand Joseph’s dream, he did not completely reject it either! He was willing to put it on the back burner of his heart in hopes to gain more understanding at a later date, which he did! Too many times God will put someone in our lives to lead us spiritually into greener pastures and cooler waters, but if we reject their message, then we are doing ourselves a great disservice. 2 Chron 20:20b says, “Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” Do not as Joseph’s brothers, and envy those who have a greater vision than you. Ponder what you do not understand in your heart, until the day that God either confirms or nullifies their credibility. Isaiah 44:26a says that God “confirmeth the word of his servant”. God SHALL confirm the word of His servant, but the question is, will we wait long enough for Him to do so? Dear reader, if God has put someone in your life that matches this description, I encourage you to give them a chance to inspire you, to teach you, and to lead you closer to God! Use the Word of God and the Spirit of God as your checkpoints of validity, and if all lights are green, then enjoy the path that He is leading you down, even if it’s a path of unfamiliarity! Don’t wait for other people to approve, because it’s highly unlikely that all of your “brethren” will follow suit! Just remember this; even when you do not understand God completely, you can ALWAYS trust His leadership!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill
People of vision are often misunderstood, and therefore resented! It would do us good to learn not to judge others so quickly just because we are not at first able to catch their vision! Most who dare to dream and walk by faith will have their share of critics and doubters, but it is those who dream that God calls to be great leaders! Before we criticize those we think dream too big, let us first hear them out; it could be that their dreams are heavenly inspired! Although Jacob rebuked Joseph, it also says that he “observed the saying”. Even though he did not understand Joseph’s dream, he did not completely reject it either! He was willing to put it on the back burner of his heart in hopes to gain more understanding at a later date, which he did! Too many times God will put someone in our lives to lead us spiritually into greener pastures and cooler waters, but if we reject their message, then we are doing ourselves a great disservice. 2 Chron 20:20b says, “Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” Do not as Joseph’s brothers, and envy those who have a greater vision than you. Ponder what you do not understand in your heart, until the day that God either confirms or nullifies their credibility. Isaiah 44:26a says that God “confirmeth the word of his servant”. God SHALL confirm the word of His servant, but the question is, will we wait long enough for Him to do so? Dear reader, if God has put someone in your life that matches this description, I encourage you to give them a chance to inspire you, to teach you, and to lead you closer to God! Use the Word of God and the Spirit of God as your checkpoints of validity, and if all lights are green, then enjoy the path that He is leading you down, even if it’s a path of unfamiliarity! Don’t wait for other people to approve, because it’s highly unlikely that all of your “brethren” will follow suit! Just remember this; even when you do not understand God completely, you can ALWAYS trust His leadership!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill