Joseph-The Master of Dreams

I realized a long time ago that God spoke to me through dreams. I have been dreaming prophetically since about the age of eight. I remember having the same recurring dream in my teens, every two years into my twenties. It puzzled me until I saw it fulfilled just before I turned 30. I've had many people ask me to interpret their dreams. I've had others ask if I am a psychic, to which I reply a resounding 'NO!" I consider it a gift, not of my own choice, but one that God Himself has bestowed upon me. Just as He did with Joseph, He still uses symbolism, to show me what He plans to do in the future.

The Scripture is very clear about dreams, and where they come from. In Gen. 37, we see Joseph given two similar dreams that, when told to his brothers, set in motion the actions that put him in the place God needed him to be for the dreams to come true.  I have found that the Lord still works this way; I have had similar experiences where my dreams caused me to react a certain way, which led to the fulfillment of them.

As we read the story of Joseph throughout Genesis 40, we are told some Godly truths about dreams. The first is Joseph's reply to the butler and baker. Do not interpretations belong to God? In other words, whatever the symbolism is, God will reveal in His time what certain things mean.

In Genesis 41, when Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream, he tells him, God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. So, when dreams trouble us, we can rest assured that God will reveal the answer, and in so doing, it will bring on a level of peace. God gave Joseph the wisdom to comprehend the dream, which led him to be second-in-command of the whole of Egypt. Only in the throne will I be higher than you, said Pharaoh.

Just a few verses later, we see Joseph's initial dream being fulfilled as his brothers kneel in front of him, not recognizing him. All those many years later, Joseph understood the dreams of his youth, even though they took several years to manifest. He tells his brothers that God sent him there, to preserve life. So, it was not you that sent me here, but God... (Gen. 45:5-8)  

Again, we see clearly that dreams come from God. (I will put in a 'disclaimer' here: Not every dream is a prophetic dream. Sometimes our subconscious [or whatever the experts would call it] gives us the visual Reader's Digest version of our life at that time. Also, I will stress this point here: there are those that believe that dreams can be 'of the devil', as I had someone tell me recently. But, there is no scriptural evidence to back that up. In fact, every reference, in scripture, other written sources, and the respected ministers I questioned, show no proof that the devil can cause a dream, or in any way have power over the dreaming process.)

In Job 33, the scripture states where dreams come from and why they come. For God speaks once, yes twice, yet man perceives it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, in slumberings on the bed; Then he opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction, That he may withdraw man from wrongdoing, and hide pride from man. He keeps back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword. (14-17)

Numbers holds perhaps one of the most insightful examples of God's purpose for dreams, and who He sends them to. And He said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak to him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all my house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold... (12:6-8)

Daniel (2:28) tells the king ...There is a God in heaven that reveals secrets and makes known to the king...what shall be in the latter days...

Joel and Peter both say the same thing: I will pour out my spirit on all flesh....your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. (Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17)

An angel came to Joseph telling him not to fear to take Mary as his wife, then again later, to tell him to take Mary and the baby Jesus and flee to Egypt. (Matt. 1:20, 2:12)

There are those that God calls false prophets, that claims to have God-given dreams. ....I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran; I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.  I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yes, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbor, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal. The prophet that has a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that has my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? said the LORD. (Jer. 23:21, 25-28) 

For thus said the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the middle of you, deceive you, neither listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely to you in my name: I have not sent them, said the LORD. (Jer. 29:8-9)

It's obvious that the scripture is differentiating between those really having God-given dreams, and those making up their own dreams, and using them to lead people astray.

I hope this little snippet of information has helped someone. I take my God-given gift of prophetic dreams  seriously, and live my life accordingly. He has yet to lead me to a different place or down a different path that He has shown me in my dreams. If it comes via God, it has to be right, even if I have to go through 'prison', as Joseph did, to get to the place where God needs me to be to do His work. Blessings to all!