“And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me” (Genesis 37:9).
A man with initiative dreams about something he can accomplish, something he can become, or some-thing he can obtain. Joseph was given a clear vision concerning his future. When a man embraces a God-given dream, it provides motivation, energy, and drive. Holy aspiration stirs up faith, inspires direction, and empowers you to bless others. Edward Butler said, “One man has enthusiasm for thirty minutes, another for thirty days, but it is the man who has it for thirty years who makes a success of his life.”
Our socialized and sentimentalized culture has stripped men of ambition. We must rescue ambition, especially holy ambition. You were put on earth with a divine mission. You have capacities, gifts, and talents perfectly suited for your mission. Here are some ideas to assist you in formulating your dreams.
- Document your dream. Write down your life goals. Include your objectives for your family, ministry, finances, business, hobbies, and things that are meaningful to you. “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it” (Habakkuk 2:2).
- Formulate short-term and intermediate steps. Document your dream, develop your plan, prepare, and then execute it. Attach projected dates for the incremental steps where appropriate.
- Extraordinary dreams unleash creativity and uncommon ideas. Once you know where you are going and start the journey, you will get further clarification and ingenuity as you move toward your goal. Recalibrate as needed.
- Don’t give up easily. Patience and diligence are required. “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, it will not tarry” (Habakkuk 2:3). Extraordinary goals require extraordinary passion. Once you are settled on your purpose, you must constantly feed your passion. Champions do daily what others do rarely.
- Pain may be the impetus that motivates you to accomplish things in life. If you were raised poor, you may be strongly provoked to make enough money to rise above poverty and achieve your goals. Prosperity is simply having the adequate resources to complete your assignment. If you have endured illness and suffering, you may be stimulated to assist fellow sufferers. Your background may be the launching pad for your future.
- Nurture your faith until it becomes a mighty force. Read biographies of achievers. Scores were floundering, but Joseph had direction. Others had opinions, but he was convinced of his destiny. He had no one to encourage him, yet he believed the vision God gave him.
- Success is the result of focus. You can only succeed at something that captivates you. Paul said, “This one thing I do” (Philippians 3:13). Next to having no defined goals, men fail because they try to do too many things instead of the “one thing.” Where your focus goes, your energy flows. Get obsessed with your dream.
- Recognize the mentors and helpers God sends into your life. Identify those who show you favor. Joseph was shown special favor by two Egyptians: Potiphar and Pharaoh. Expect, protect, and respect those who are assigned to assist you. Learn how to graciously receive the help and resources others offer you. Thank them and enlist them to work! When you announce your dream, others with similar aspirations are drawn toward you. You will develop a network of likeminded people who share your dream.
- Adequately prepare. Jesus spent thirty years preparing for three-and-a-half years of ministry. Moses was in training for a long period of time before he led God’s people out of Egypt. Different assignments require varying preparation.
- Expect opposition. Nehemiah’s burden birthed within him the dream to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. When you have the fire of God burning inside you, it incites persecution of hell against you! It may come from unsuspecting people, even your family. Don’t be shocked when others don’t appreciate, or oppose, your dream.
- Use your time wisely. “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). Invest time daily toward the fulfilment of your vision. Even if it is only a small measure of time, designate a portion daily. Daily habits are the key to accomplishing great objectives. Don’t allow time wasters and “big talkers” to divert you from your task.
To Think and Pray About…
- When did you last commit to dreaming large and bold dreams?
- Consider keeping a journal or record of how you strategically pursue your dreams.
- Suggest three things you could do with your children to build and foster their dreams.
This chapter was written by Evangelist Harold Vaughan
This chapter is taken from “The Extraordinary Father”. CLICK HERE to order your copy today!
