How to Handle Shattered DreamsSample

From the Inside Out

How did Joseph survive the disappointment of his broken dreams? How did he fulfill his glorious destiny despite his many setbacks? A summary of the factors that helped him reach his destiny include:

1. He was always conscious of God's presence: This confident assurance made him prosperous from the inside out.

And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man, and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. Genesis 39:2 (KJV)

2. He had an excellent attitude to life and service, which earned him promotions in Potiphar's house, and in the prison. (Genesis 39:3-6; 21-23)

3. Despite his gift being rejected to the point of becoming the origin of his challenges, Joseph never lost confidence in his ability to interpret dreams. He kept using his gift to serve others. This eventually brought him to the limelight.

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. Proverbs 22:29 (KJV)

4. He sustained an inner picture of his dream regardless of external circumstances.

Joseph sustained a mental picture of his glorious destiny. He did not allow the world around him to shape his attitude. And this kept him prosperous on the inside until prosperity became his reality.

The Bible says in Romans 12:2,

"Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out." Romans 12:2 (MSG)

Every miracle happens twice - first on the inside, and afterward, it becomes the reality. Likewise, every destiny is fulfilled twice, first on the inside and then the outward manifestation follows.

The following are steps to take to fulfill your destiny despite your broken dreams like Joseph:

1. Be resilient despite your shattered dreams, and dare to dream over and over again.

2. If it is a betrayal issue in which your good was repaid with evil leaving you smitten, broken-hearted, and empty-handed, please note that though you might not reap where you sowed, you will reap what you sowed. Seed time and harvest will not cease: that is what God promised! (Genesis 8:22, Galatians 6:7-9)

3. Get scriptures that affirm your desired end and let God's promises be your confession and validation. This helps you achieve the next point below.

4. Maintain a clear picture of your preferable future and a keen sense of destiny on the inside regardless of external circumstances.

5. Resist the temptation to opt out of life, and dare to live, love, dream, give, hope, smile, risk, and invest again and again.

6. Keep using your gift to serve others even if it was rejected. Remember Joseph never lost confidence in his gift, which was not only rejected but also became the source of his problems. Nevertheless, he kept exercising his gift until it brought him to the limelight.

7. Keep your head high and walk tall, with the full assurance that God will never fail you.

Please say the following prayer:

Abba Father, please strengthen my heart during periods of disruptions and disappointment. Help me to hold on to Your precious promises, that sometime soon, my destiny will be delivered to me just as I have dreamt and exactly as You have promised. I believe You can do this and much more, for You can do all things. Be it unto me according to Your precious promises, in Jesus' name. Amen.