From the beginning of His relationship with humanity, God has planted dreams in the hearts of His people. But between the dream and its fulfillment, there’s often a gap—sometimes days, sometimes decades. That gap can be filled with both faith and doubt, hope and disappointment. Joseph’s story in Genesis chapters 37-50 is a model for how to live in that in-between.
- It will be different than expected. Joseph dreamed of his brothers bowing to him, but he didn’t see Egypt, slavery, or prison. Dreams rarely show the full picture. God gives glimpses of tomorrow to shape how we live today.
- It will be harder than expected. Joseph saw the glory but not the suffering. It’s easy to romanticize our future, but God uses the waiting and hardship to transform us. The true gift isn’t the dream fulfilled—it’s who we become while trusting His will and His way.
- It will take longer than expected. Joseph waited twenty-two years from dream to fulfillment—two of those in prison with no word from God. We must remember: God is always at work, even when it seems silent. Trust in the long, slow work of God.
- It will be better than expected. Joseph’s dream, at first, was about his own glory. Ultimately, God gave him the dream to save a nation and preserve the lineage of the Messiah. God will strip our dreams of ego and idolatry until the dream no longer defines us—He does. Sometimes our expectations for the dream must die so it can be resurrected into something purer. And when the dream finally comes to life, it is better in every way that truly matters.
About the Author
JULIE LONG is the Reflections magazine editor and More to Life director for Ladies Ministries UPCI.
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