Understanding Young Dreamers
Written by: Bill Elliff
“Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more.” Genesis 37:5
There’s nothing more perplexing than a young dreamer. Unproven and untested, it’s easy to rush to conclusions. “He has no idea…wait until he gets out into the ‘real world’…who does he think he is?….we’ve already tried that before…that will never work…blah, blah, blah.”
The world has been driven by young dreamers. Men and women who dared to believe that life could be different, that institutions could change, that things could improve, that there was a better way.
There will always be scoffers. Sometimes in your own family. You may be one whose dreams were squelched by a parent or other authority who never had the ability to see beyond what was to what could be. There is a phenomenal value in the wisdom and caution of godly mentors, but when young dreamers challenge the status quo they are sometimes met by fear; the fear of change. Also, they may run into a little unspoken resentment because those above them have never seen their dreams fulfilled and they’re silently discouraged and maybe even bitter.
Joseph had a dream. It sounded REALLY crazy. Made no sense. Joseph’s brothers hated him and his father gently rebuked him. This dream was from God. In fact, it would result in Joseph being used to save most of the known world, including his own scoffing family.
His brothers did their best to quiet the dreamer, but Joseph tenaciously, graciously, and faithfully responded to the big God who had planted this vision in his heart.
If you’re a young dreamer, understand the caution of your elders. Listen carefully, sift through and take the kernels of truth that are there and be patient. If your dream is from God, it will be fulfilled in time if you faithfully follow Him.
If you are AROUND a young dreamer, keep your mouth closed a little more. Be cautious with quick conclusions and sharp reproof. How many men and women could have been mightily used if they’d had an encouragement to try the impossible and step out in faith; if they had someone who believed in them, understanding God loves to take young David’s to slay big Goliaths in ways that give HIM all the glory.
God may be preparing them to save the world.
(copyright, Bill Elliff)
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