Lessons in dreaming and "keeping on" courtesy of Joseph

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So Joseph.

I’ve always liked the guy. And we’re talking “coat of many colors” Joseph as opposed to “Mary’s” Joseph. I mean, yeah, probably telling his brothers he dreamt they’d one day all bow down to him wasn’t his best move ever. But I’ve always loved his story…especially the “God meant it for good” angle.

But this week as I read Joseph’s story in Genesis, something new stood out to me. 

So, if you’re familiar with Joseph, you know he goes through some pretty crappy years: his brothers sell him into slavery, he works his way into a great job only to have Potiphar’s wife’s accusations send him straight to jail. Then he interprets a guy’s dreams, hoping the man would remember him and provide a way out of jail, but the dude forgets and Joseph spends a couple more years in the pokey.

But then…then Pharoah hears about Joseph’s dream interpreting skills. He asks for Joseph’s interpretation of his own recent dreams. And Joseph says this:

“I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”

When I read that verse, I had to stop…read it again. Two things struck me.

First of all, I just love that Joseph gives God the credit. This could be the guy’s way out of jail, right? He could’ve become all puffed up and hopeful in his own gifting. But instead of claiming the ability for himself, he points to God.

But then, this second thought hit me even harder:

All those years Joseph spent first in slavery and then in jail, he kept trusting God with his dreams—literal and figurative, actually. 


Joseph started having and interpreting dreams as a kid. He had to have realized there was something special about that. But when his brothers turned on him or when Potiphar’s wife lied about him or when he sat in jail year after year for something he didn’t do…well, you’d think he’d start to question his own dreams and doubt his ability to interpret others’ dreams.

But no. He goes right on using the gift God gave him even though circumstances could’ve caused him to doubt God’s presence in his life at all.

The thing is, if Joseph had given up on those dreams of his, Pharaoh never would’ve heard about him. Joseph wouldn’t have had a chance to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. And he probably wouldn’t have ended up one of the most powerful men in the country. 


It all just makes me think, whatever our own dreams or gifts, and whatever the circumstances we find ourselves in…

…even if things look dreary

…our gifts seem pointless
…no one is paying attention

…We still have to keep dreaming like Joseph.
Keep practicing.
Keep believing.
Keep giving God the glory.

It might sound simplistic. But I have a feeling in practice, it means the difference between between a drab existence or a colorful, adventurous life. A Joseph-kind of life. 

How does Joseph’s story encourage you? 
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    Comments 12

    1. You’re right, I’ve read that story lots of times and never saw that–I love how God works! This is a theme I’ve been thinking about lately, in a completely different way, and this post just deepens what God’s been showing me.

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    2. “He goes right on using the gift God gave him even though circumstances could’ve caused him to doubt God’s presence in his life at all.” This statement just whammed me this morning. I’ve been struggling with perseverance and the Lord just keeps giving me nuggets like that to remind me to press on.

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    3. I’ve always loved Joseph’s story! I believe God sits at the ready, desiring to grant us the miracles we so desperately long for–all so we can give Him the glory and point others toward Him!

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    4. I’m all about dreams, Melissa. I’m convinced this is the reason I need 10ish hours of sleep, although I rarely get it. But when I do… oooooh the stories that fly off my fingers the next morning!!

      I love Joseph’s story, because I can relate to it on so many levels. Joseph truly inspires me. I love his candor. Reminds me of my five year old. She just says it like she sees it. No hesitation. No sugar-coating. It takes courage to tell the truth in this world, when the very existance of truth is questioned. All day long. Cuz no one wants to hear it.

      Happy Friday, Melissa. 🙂
      -Raj

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      1. Speaking of dreams, Raj, the other night I dreamt that I was playing golf with Ray Romano and Will Arnett in a church sanctuary. Truly my craziest dream ever. 🙂

        I like Joseph’s candor too…like later in this story when he’s seeing his brother’s again and first tries to hide his weeping…but then just comes out with everything. Happy Friday to you, too!

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    5. I’ve often wondered what Joseph thought about as he sat in prison. Of course, he didn’t just sit…even in prison, his outstanding abilities were recognized and the warden put him in charge of the prisoners. And He was preparing Joseph to one day be over Egypt…but all that waiting. Joseph is one of my favorite Biblical people.

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