The Furnace of LeadershipSample

When Your Dream Makes You Different

Joseph was seventeen—young, favoured and ambitious. He had no idea that the dreams God gave him would cost him everything before they came to pass. His brothers couldn’t handle the favour on his life. His father couldn't understand him. And in one moment, a robe and a revelation turned into rejection.

This is how calling often begins. In isolation and suspicion. Not always with applause and understanding. When God gives you a glimpse of something bigger—something sacred and weighty—don’t be surprised when it unsettles the people around you. Leadership can be lonely. Especially when you're carrying a dream that others don’t yet see.

You might be in a workplace right now where you're misunderstood. Where favour feels more like a target than a blessing. Maybe you're navigating jealousy, resistance, or the sting of not being taken seriously—just because you're too young, too old, new, different, or called to lead in ways others aren’t ready for.

Joseph’s story reminds us that being chosen by God doesn’t mean you’ll be celebrated by people. Sometimes the ache of the dream is the very thing God uses to shape you into the leader He needs you to become.

Dear leader, my encouragement to you today is this: Hold the dream close. Steward it in the silence. God is not done with you yet. This is only the beginning.

Reflection/Discussion Questions:

• Are you carrying a dream that feels heavy or misunderstood?
• Where in your leadership are you facing rejection or resistance because of God’s favour on your life?
• How can you respond with humility and faith when others don’t yet see what God has spoken to you?