The Dream Was Bigger Than You Thought
Scripture:
Genesis 37:9
"Then he had another dream and told it to his brothers. 'Look,' he said, 'I had another dream, and this time the sun, moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.'"
Genesis 45:8
"It was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to
Pharaoh, lord of his entire household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt."
Devotional:
When Joseph first shared his dreams, he thought they were about his family bowing to him. That interpretation stirred jealousy, hatred, and division. But years later, we see something else: the dream was never about Joseph’s ego—it was about God’s glory.
God used Joseph to reveal His plan not just to a family, but to a nation. Pharaoh (the "sun") submitted to Joseph’s leadership. Egypt’s wise men and priests (the "moon") couldn’t match God’s wisdom. The nations (the "stars") came for provision and bowed in recognition of divine authority.
The dream was always cosmic in scope. It wasn’t about Joseph rising up so others could bow down. It was about God using a surrendered life to display His glory to the world.
Maybe you’ve misunderstood a dream God gave you. Maybe you assumed it would unfold in a neat, personal, feel-good way. But what if the pain, detours, and delay were part of the point? What if God’s goal isn’t just your elevation—but the transformation of others through your life?
Joseph’s dream didn’t change. Joseph did.
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me when I make Your dreams about me. Remind me that everything You do through me is ultimately to reveal who You are. Make me bold enough to dream and humble enough to see that it’s not about my glory—it’s about Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- How has your understanding of God’s purpose for your life changed over time?
- Are there any dreams you need to surrender for God to reshape?
- Who might God be trying to reach through your story?