Have you ever had a dream that felt so vivid, so real, that it stuck with you long after you woke up? Maybe it was a dream about achieving a goal, pursuing a passion, or making a positive impact in the world. Dreams have a unique way of stirring something deep within us, igniting our imagination and fueling our aspirations. 

Did you know that throughout the Bible, we see numerous examples of people who had dreams that God gave them, and these dreams ultimately led to remarkable outcomes? One such example is found in the story of Joseph, a young man with a colorful coat and an even more colorful destiny. 

Joseph had dreams that he would one day rise to a position of authority and influence, even though his current circumstances seemed far from promising. Despite facing adversity, betrayal, and hardship, Joseph held onto the dreams that God had planted in his heart. And you know what? Those dreams eventually came true! Joseph rose to become a powerful leader in Egypt, saving his family and countless others from famine. 

Another example is found in the story of King Solomon. Early in his reign, Solomon had a dream where God appeared to him and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon could have asked for anything – wealth, power, fame – but instead, he asked for wisdom to govern God’s people with justice and righteousness. And you know what? God granted his request and blessed him with wisdom beyond measure, making him one of the wisest and most prosperous kings in history. 

These stories remind us that every good thing starts with a dream – a dream inspired by God, rooted in His promises, and aligned with His will. Just like Joseph and Solomon, we too can dream big dreams and trust that God will bring them to fruition in His perfect timing and according to His perfect plan. 

When it comes to discerning whether our dreams are from God or simply our own desires, the Bible offers guidance. In 1 John 4:1, we’re encouraged to test the spirits to see whether they are from God. This means comparing what we believe we’ve heard or sensed with the truth of Scripture and seeking confirmation through prayer and wise counsel.

Proverbs 16:3 reminds us to commit our plans to the Lord and trust in Him, and He will establish our steps. When we approach God with humility and surrender, asking Him to give us dreams that align with His will, He is faithful to guide us.

Sometimes, God speaks to us through dreams in a literal sense, as we see in the examples of Joseph and Solomon. Other times, He may stir our hearts when we read Scripture or hear a biblical story, prompting us to take action or pursue a specific calling. And there are instances when God confirms His direction through the counsel of trusted mentors or through circumstances that align with His purposes.

For example, imagine a person who feels a strong desire to serve others in a particular way. As they pray and seek God’s guidance, they may encounter a passage in Scripture that resonates deeply with their heart’s desire, or they may receive encouragement from a friend who confirms the calling they’ve sensed. These can be ways in which God confirms His direction and affirms the dreams He’s placed within us.

As we seek God’s guidance and pursue the dreams He’s given us, let’s remain open to His leading and trust His timing. Sometimes, our dreams may not unfold exactly as we expect, but we can trust that God is working all things together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

What dreams has God placed in your heart? Maybe it’s a dream to make a difference in your community, to pursue a new career path, or to deepen your relationship with Him. Whatever it may be, don’t be afraid to dream boldly and to seek God’s guidance every step of the way. 

So, let’s approach God with faith and expectancy, asking Him to give us dreams that honor Him and advance His kingdom. Let’s test our desires against the truth of Scripture and seek confirmation through prayer and wise counsel. And as we step out in faith, trusting in God’s guidance, let’s remain open to the ways He speaks to us and confirms His direction in our lives.