The Athlete's Challenge: Old Testament Heroes预览

Heroes: Joseph's Unrelenting Trust

Reading Plan:

• Day 45: Genesis 37
• Day 46: Genesis 39
• Day 47: Genesis 40
• Day 48: Genesis 41
• Day 49: Genesis 42
• Day 50: Genesis 43
• Day 51: Genesis 44
• Day 52: Genesis 45
• Day 53: Genesis 50

Devotional:

Ready:

"Then Joseph had a dream. When he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more.6 He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had:7 There we were, binding sheaves of grain in the field. Suddenly my sheaf stood up, and your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf.” -- Genesis 37:5-7, CSB

Set:

When I was 8 years old, I did a lot of dreaming. My dad would take me to college lacrosse games, and I would stand by the field saying, “One day I want to play on that field!”

I now realize the incredible power of dreams. Mine drove me for 10 years until, when I was 18, I stepped onto that field as a college lacrosse player. Not only did my dream come true; but God had an even bigger one. After college, I was drafted in the first round by the Baltimore Thunder and played professional indoor lacrosse for four years. God allowed me to use my gift of lacrosse to reach thousands for Him because of a dream He had for me! At age 17, Joseph also had a dream, but it was not fulfilled for more than 20 years! But he stayed faithful. His dreams eventually impacted an entire nation.

The following principles of dreaming can encourage us as we dream big for Jesus: Dreams come from God. God-sized dreams stretch us. Dreams ignite energy, passion, and drive. People often make fun of dreamers. Dreams have a season of preparation. Dreams take time to be realized. We should encourage other people’s dreams. Dreams are for all ages. Don’t miss the dream when it comes true. Dreams should glorify God, not us.

Go:

1. What big dreams do you have?
2. What dreams have you given up?
3. Whose dream can you encourage?