There is A Reason That God Is Giving You Dreams!

I was raised to believe that God does not speak through dreams.  I'm so blessed that I know differently today. For those of you who believe that God does speak through dreams, please take a moment and recall the life of Joseph. 

Joseph was given some really awesome dreams as a young man.  But, when he told his brothers about his dreams they got really upset!   He told them about dreaming of bundles of wheat, the sun, the moon and 11 stars bowing before him (take a moment and read Genesis 37:5-10).  Even his father, Jacob, rebuked him.  No one liked the idea of Joseph being positioned above them.  I would have probably been upset also if I were one of Joseph's family! But later his father reconsidered the entire matter. 

I believe that when God speaks to us through dreams we need to  both "consider the matter," and at times even "ponder" them.   I have had some really interesting dreams... but imagine having dreams like Joseph's!  In Psalm 105:19b it says that "...the word of the Lord tried him" until Joseph's dreams actually came to pass.  I believe that many of our dreams are "trying us" just as they did Joseph. 

Having God-given Dreams

Our God given dreams will be tested and tried, just as Joseph's did him.  Yet, if God gave you a dream then know He will bring it to pass!  The word "tried" is a Hebrew word that has a very interesting meaning.  Some of the words used to define being "tried" are " purged," "cast." "refine," "(make)pure," and "purge away."  When observing the full translation as to how dreams might "try" us we can easily conclude by this definition that it is similar to a goldsmith purifying metals and refining them with intense heat.  In other words, Joseph's dreams purified his heart and motives and he was being refined by the hand of God until his time came to fulfill his dreams.

When I think about God's timing the story of Joseph encourages me.  How?  Well, I'll just bet that you have some dreams also that have not come to pass.  Maybe, like myself, you have tucked away deep in your heart several promises God has spoken through dreams.  Don't be discouraged!  Know that God is refining you and preparing you for a "suddenly!"  Yes, suddenlies do happen.  Just like Joseph- in prison one day and in the palace the next- your dreams will come to pass!

God's Intentions Through Dreams

There are various reasons why God gives us dreams.   In the above paragraphs you read about how the timing of the fulfillment of a dream is meant to purify us and prepare us.  Another very important reason that God gives us dreams is to reveal the condition of our own hearts. If you recall, Daniel told King Nebuchadnezzar that God was giving him dreams to reveal the king's pride and to save his soul from the pit. (Read Job 33:14-18).

It's Time to Know the Truth About Spiritual Warfare

There is much written about spiritual warfare.  However some are myths and some are spiritual truths.  In order to walk in complete victory we must examine these, spiritually discern them and go to the Word of God for the fullness of revelation. 

There Really IS A Devil!

Before we go further in this quick journey let me assure you that there really is a devil, and he is the reason we have so much spiritual warfare.I have written over ten books that directly name the enemy, the enemy's manifestations and his plans to kill steal and destroy.  However, I do, in no way, look for a demon behind every bush!  Again, let me assure you that the devil is real.  Though he is not simply a biblical type of poetic image- as some believe. 

Satan (known as the devil)  has limited power.  He does  not know everything you are thinking and he cannot do anything he desires.  He cannot read your mind- only God knows your thoughts. ( See Ezekiel 11:5 NASB).  He does not have the same powers and attributes as our God.  I am amazed at how many Christians believe that the enemy is all-knowing and all-powerful.  Believers, that is simply not true!  Actually we give the enemy way too much credit!  In fact, real spiritual warfare is keeping our mind on Christ and what He has accomplished at the cross. More on that in a bit.

Yes, the enemy can make subtle suggestions to our minds and invade our thought patterns with his destructive lies- but he is not all knowing. He is not a mind reader- no way!  Our God is omniscient and all knowing- Satan certainly is not.Think about this for a moment.  If the devil knew that Jesus would gain such a victory at the Cross he would not have schemed to put him there!  (See 1 Corinthians 2:8). 

As I stated earlier, Satan is not all-powerful either. If he were, he would never allow you to receive Jesus as your personal Savior!    But Satan  is your adversary, a liar, a thief and he wishes to devour you.  (See 1 Peter 5:8, John 8:44).    Neither is our enemy omnipresent- meaning that he is everywhere all the time! Only God is omnipresent.  Satan does, however, have many different demons who attack us.  It may seem as if Satan himself were reaping havoc at one particular time but more likely, it was one of his demons.  Satan cannot be everywhere all of the time- but God can!  We need to quit giving Satan so much power- reel in our thoughts and remember how big our God is! 

Satan Once  Had a Measure of Power

Satan was stripped of his power at the Cross.  Colossians 2:15 reminds each of us that demonic principalities and powers were destroyed when Jesus was crucified at Calvary! Yes!  Jesus destroyed Satan's power.  Satan can only walk about "like" a roaring lion...he can roar but not with the authority that Jesus, the Lion of Judah has!

Whenever you approach spiritual warfare, you must remember these specific truths.  We must all enter into a battle with our enemy knowing that the battle has been won by Christ at the Cross.  If we do not do this, we are approaching a battle in our own strength. We have no power to defeat the enemy  except by the power of the Cross.  If we will remember this main point- we will take the first step into experiencing victory!  The victory is ours because of the shed Blood of Jesus.  Jesus has given us the victory!

The Devil is a Liar

 This is another spiritual truth- the devil is a liar.  He would have you believe you don't already have the victory.  Dear one, the enemy wants to wear you out.  How can he do this?  By causing you to believe that you don't have what you already have!  Ephesians 1:3 reminds us that we have already been blessed ..." with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ."    This means Christ paid the price already (shed His Blood at Calvary) for you to be blessed!