Blessed Thoughts from Iris Celeste

Dream Deferred—Waiting For It

One of my favorite stories in the bible is the record of Joseph. The accounts of his life have made a profound influence over my own. God had big plans for Joseph and revealed it to him in a dream. But poor Joseph made the mistake of sharing his dream with his already envious brothers and the bible says…they hated him all the more. Being guided by their envy the brothers plotted to kill Joseph. But their greed was greater and they sold him into slavery. This landed him into the hands of Potiphar. Now most would think this would be the end of the road for Joseph. However, the bible states…the Lord was with him and he prospered. With God’s favor upon him, Joseph became Potiphar’s attendant. That position placed him in charge of Potiphar’s entire household and everything he owned. But once again, trouble found Joseph. He was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and imprisoned. Nonetheless, the Lord was with him and Joseph was entrusted with the responsibility of safekeeping the other inmates. Why you ask would God follow Joseph to the dungeon? He was preparing him for what was to come. The dream was still in effect. But before God could usher Joseph into his destiny He first had to train him for the task. What better place then amongst the lowly in spirit.

Lessons I learned from Joseph’s journey: Be careful who you share your dreams with. People in your very own family will not want to see you succeed and will scheme against you. But God in His infinite wisdom knew this ahead of time and declared…no weapon formed against you shall prosper. God is everywhere. So don’t despise the miry pit. Before He can set you high, He has to take you through. And Job knew this best. When all hell was breaking loose around him and his friends had jumped ship, Job kept his faith on the Blesser and not his blessings…though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. When God gives you a vision perceive it, believe it; then rest on it. But expect opposition. Nothing worth having comes without difficulty. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it… rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us. Lastly, stand firm! Know that even the devil himself can’t stop what God has already set into motion…For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come.

Iris Celeste, Author
Praise Your Way Through
http://www.irisceleste.com/