Three Distractions To Your Dreams And How To Overcome Them

Do you have a dream?

Can you believe that God could put a dream inside of you?

One of the most popular dreamers in the bible is a guy named Joseph.  

He is known for having outlandish, God-inspired dreams and then ultimately seeing them fulfilled.

However, the fulfillment of his dreams was not without distraction.

I think there were at least three over-arching distractions Joseph faced in the process of realizing the dream God gave him.

It’s interesting because they’re the same type of distractions you and I encounter every day.

Distraction is a powerful thing.

 

If I control your focus…  I can control your destiny…

 

Below are three distractions almost everyone faces in pursuit of their dream, and how to overcome them.

1.  The Distraction Of Being Disrespected.

Joseph was supremely disrespected!

*He was threatened to be murdered, thrown into an abandoned well, and then sold into slavery by his brothers.

*He was falsely accused by his boss’s wife of trying to sleep with her and then thrown into prison.

*He was forgotten in prison by the very person he helped to get out.

How easy would it have been for him to focus on how others had wronged him?

Have you ever been there?  Stuck on all the ways others’ actions have affected your life negatively.

Joseph had reason to feel disrespected.  But he chose not to allow it to derail him from living a life of meaning and purpose.

The greatest prison Joseph could have ever remained in was a prison of bitterness and unforgiveness.  

Have you ever eaten something and it made you sick?  Consuming unforgiveness will affect your life in the same way

 

The way out of the distraction of being disrespected is Forgiveness.

 

Joseph chose to be a person of forgiveness.  We should too. 

 

2.  The Distraction Of Being Disappointed.

Joseph’s life was impacted by a series of two dreams at three different times…

 

            *He personally had two dreams when he was 17.

            *He interpreted two dreams while he was in prison.

            *He was called out of prison to interpret two dreams that Pharaoh had.

 

Notice Josephs insight as he’s discussing with Pharaoh the meaning of the dreams.

Genesis 41:32 (NIV)

32 As for having two similar dreams, it means that these events have been decreed by God, and he will soon make them happen.

Joseph said that because Pharaoh had two dreams it means they are from God, and they will happen soon!

How could he say that?  Remember, Joseph also had two dreams but it had been thirteen years since his took place.

Think about it… 13 years of betrayal, hurt, setbacks and disappointments.

Have you ever felt disappointed?  Wanted to quit?

Why didn’t Joseph give up on God’s answer to his dreams?

I believe Joseph understood the power of faithfulness!

Sometimes, all you can do is be faithful to what you do understand and throw yourself at whatever God has placed you in.

Joseph chose to be faithful in the places he found himself regardless of his own frustrations and disappointments.

 

The way out of the distraction of being disappointed is to remain Faithful.

 

Joseph is an excellent example that God will shine favorably on those who are not so focused on their own dream that they are distracted from helping others understand theirs.

He remained faithful despite being disappointed repeatedly.

If you’ll remain faithful, you’ll see fulfillment.

 

3.  The Distraction Of Being Disadvantaged.

Joseph seemingly had the cards stacked against him.  The path to his dream was not without obstacles.

*He was hated by his older brothers.

*He was a slave in a foreign land.

*He became a prisoner.

*He lived in a nation faced with famine.

Joseph had so many reasons to feel disadvantaged in life!  We all do.

Joseph chose to focus less on the problems and more on the promises.

 

The way out of the distraction of being disadvantaged is to lean into God’s Favor.

 

Is it possible that what the enemy has meant to disadvantage you that God can use to favor you?

It’s amazing!  Joseph prepared, planned, he provided for a nation not his own.

 

Consider this:

*No famine… no reunion for Joseph and his family.

*No famine… no reason to bring Joseph out of prison.

*No famine…  no influencing a nation.

It’s an interesting way of looking at life… but the famine could be used for favor!

God promises that He can use all of our disadvantages for the good.

Romans 8:28 (NLT)

8 And we know that God causes everything to work together[m] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

What is difficult in your life… God can use for the good!

Psalm 5:12 (NIV)

12 Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Be encouraged.  There is always something to distract you from your calling and purpose.  There is always a way of overcoming too.