Dreams are powerful. When you pay attention to them, they can bridge the gap between your current struggles and your highest potential. And if your dream is from God, the ultimate Dream Maker, that dream has the potential to transform not only your present reality but also your future and the world around you. However, dreams are not always easily accomplished. They come with challenges, disappointments, sacrifice, and sometimes pain, hurt, and betrayal. But God can use those things to prepare us for something greater.

Joseph’s entire life was shaped and upended by a God-given dream. At seventeen, Joseph received dreams about his future, but he lacked the wisdom to know when to share them. His brothers were already jealous because their father favored Joseph, and his dreams only increased their resentment. When God gives you a dream, don’t be surprised if everyone isn’t excited about it. Some will brush it off, become jealous, or even turn against you. There’s a time to share what God has placed in your heart and a time to keep it to yourself.

Joseph’s brothers eventually betrayed him. They stripped off his robe, threw him into a pit, and left him there. Betrayal is painful, especially when it comes from people you trust. Envy and jealousy can fuel betrayal when we constantly compare ourselves to others and ask, “Why are they blessed?” or “Why did they get that opportunity?” Jealous eyes are dangerous because if we keep looking through them long enough, envy can grow into resentment, plotting, and actions we never thought we were capable of.

Joseph was in a dark, lonely pit, but his brothers didn’t realize they were actually helping propel him toward God’s purpose. Sometimes we find ourselves in a pit and don’t understand why we’re there. We may feel betrayed, hurt, disrespected, or confused, and those feelings are real. But there comes a time when we have to stand up and fight. When you’re in the pit, there’s only one way to look, and that’s up. The pit is a stop, not a place you have to take up residence. Instead of continually asking, “Why me?” we can begin seeking God, trusting Him, and continuing to pursue the dream He has placed in us.

Sometimes what God is doing in you while you’re waiting is more important than the dream you’re waiting on. God is preparing you for what He has prepared for you. Looking back, Joseph could say, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.” God does not waste our pain, injustice, hurt, or betrayal when we love Him and pursue His purpose. The pit may be painful, but God can use it to prepare us for something greater. 

Scriptures—Genesis 50:20 (NLT); Romans 8:28 (GNT); Genesis 37:3-8, 10, 18-19, 23-24 (NLT); Psalm 40:2 (GNT)

Verses— “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” (Ge 50:20) We know that in all things God works for the good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose. (Ro 8:28)

Questions – Have you ever experienced a “pit” in your life—a season of hurt, disappointment, or betrayal? How did you respond to it? Why does God allow difficult experiences to be part of preparing us for what He has ahead? How can we guard our hearts against envy when we see others being blessed? What is something you may be waiting on God for right now, and how can you trust that He may be preparing you while you wait?

Prayer – Lord, help me trust You when I find myself in a pit. Use my pain, disappointment, and struggles to prepare me for what You have ahead. Give me the strength to look up, keep trusting You, and keep pursuing the dream You have placed in my heart. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.