Immanuel in My Story: Finding Your Part in God’s Christmas Plan.نموونە

It Starts with a Dream

It often feels like it all starts with a dream.
A compelling dream that signals purpose; a path untrodden, where you have been called to trailblaze. Many generations may have gone before you, but none have walked the exact path God has prepared for you.

“I have a dream,” a man once said. We repeat those words and think it begins there. But before your dream ever reached your heart or imagination, there was a God who already had a plan.

What is your dream?
The things you see when your eyes are closed, the pictures that fill your alternate imagination, the God-shaped possibilities that refuse to leave you alone?

A God-given dream can be prophetic, a glimpse into what Heaven has already ordained. However, its manifestation often involves your agreement, obedience, and intention. What are you being intentional about in this season?

Because as you begin to align with and follow the dream, you soon realise something powerful: the path you are about to embark on has already been sketched out perfectly. The Spirit of God has gone before you, outlined the journey, brooded over the waters, brought peace to chaos and light to darkness. This, therefore, means that you are not walking into the unknown; you are walking into what He already knows.

Joseph looked ahead and saw a path full of obstacles. In his own wisdom, he decided that was not the way. A pregnant fiancée, questions he could not answer, a reputation at risk. Then, in the thick of the night, God gave him a dream, and the impossible became possible.

In that moment, God’s divine assignment for Joseph came to life. His heart shifted. His mind aligned with a plan he would never have chosen by logic. He moved from his own compromise to God’s promise.

That is what happens when God speaks:
The same situation, but a different lens.
The same challenge, but with a different kind of courage.
The same story, but a different ending.

God with us.

God was with Joseph, and quite literally present in Mary. The One of whom it is written, “In Him we live and move and have our being,” chose to dwell among us. Today, that same Christ lives in us, the hope of glory. We are the temple He has chosen to steward His Spirit.

As we step into the festive season and the sounds of joy fill our homes, let the memories of His love surround you and become your lived reality again. Do not forget the dreams, prophecies, and promises God has already spoken over your life. Hold on to them. Walk with Him intentionally. Stay obedient to His leading, that He who began a good work in you may complete it.

Reflection

• What dreams, prophecies, or promises has God given you that are yet to be made manifest?
• Where have you been tempted to choose compromise instead of promise?
• How are you praying concerning these dreams?

Remember, prayer is more than carefully arranged words. Prayer is also planning, preparing, and taking Spirit-led action. So what is your action plan with God?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for every dream, promise, and prophetic word You have spoken over my life. Where I have leaned on my own understanding, forgive me. Help me to align with Your plan, not my fear. Like Joseph, give me the courage to choose promise over compromise. As I step into this Christmas season, awaken my heart to walk boldly in what You have already prepared for me. Amen.