God gave Joseph dreams, and they stirred up hatred against him (Genesis 37:5). We might question that sort of fruitfulness, assuming God’s kind of dreams would only produce joy. But these were from God, and they caused trouble. Joseph’s brothers’ reaction was harsh, and it drove Joseph in the opposite direction of the dreams. Pretty soon, Joseph’s life looked like a tragic mistake.
We know how the story ends — how the “opposite direction” of fulfillment was actually the path straight toward it. Every time Joseph experienced a setback, it was really a promotion getting him closer to the promise. Through eyes of flesh, his story appeared thoroughly depressing. Through eyes of faith, it was headed toward glory.
That’s how we have to look at obstacles, setbacks, and twists in the journey. They can be very disorienting unless we understand how God works. While we’re crying out, “Lord, why? When? How long?” He whispers His reassurances that this is leading somewhere. In fact, the process is preparing us. Without its strain, we wouldn’t be able to carry the weight of our calling when we get there. The journey of faith gives us the resolve and confidence we’ll need when we arrive.
Don’t resist the process. Refuse to look at setbacks and obstacles superficially. They are not in the way of your dream; they are part of the journey toward it. As He did with Joseph, God gives you His early “yes” for a reason. When everything else in life says “no,” you’ll have something solid to cling to.
