“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.”
— Joel 2:28-29 KJV
The fulfillment of this prophecy is accounted in the book Acts 2, where we see the portal of the spirit opening up to humanity. The church and the world have not recovered from that outpouring.
Some of the spiritual technologies that would manifest with the outpouring of the spirit were prophecies, dreams and visions . Prophecy is supernatural utterance in a language that men can understand. We can equate prophecy to someone speaking in tongues followed with interpretation to the hearers.
The operations of dreams and visions are subject to the mercy of God who desires that we relate with him in all realms of existence. He simplifies supernatural realities in ways we can’t detach from. He speaks to us in visions and dreams using symbols, images etc, because he desires to reach us in ways that ensure he bridges the gap between the supernatural and the natural.
For example, the dream Joseph received from God about his future sustained him through very negative experiences. His faith journey was initiated by a dream. The reality of wealth in the life of King Solomon was initiated in a dream as well. God communicates and can send his angels to bring destiny altering messages in our dreams
Dreams can be supernatural in nature and serve as a vehicle for God or the devil. Supernatural experiences and encounters can inform us of the future and how we ought to engage.
It’s important to note that the devil always tries to steal dreams that are from God. However we can condition ourselves to remain alert in spirit to receive from God even when sleeping. We can’t afford to miss out on the spiritual connection that takes place when we receive from God in our dreams. We shouldn’t ignore nor despise dreams rather we should engage properly. If we lack the capacity to engage dreams we can remain stagnant or unprepared for the next phase communicated to us in a dream.
It’s important to note that when you live a life of obedience to the word and intimacy with God , no prophet can make a merchandise of you. The word of God remains superior to any supernatural encounter. Faith in the word prevails over all hindrances and oppositions. It is important for us to evaluate our lives through the perfect law of liberty which is the word of God. We engage dreams with the word of God.
What to do when you dream
- Inquire from the Lord : let God become the first point of contact when you receive a dream.
“Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.” Daniel 2:17-19 KJV
We return to the Lord and seek the mercies of God who is able to reveal all secrets. It’s important to present every dream to God and inquire of him.
“And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.”1 Kings 3:15 KJV
The first thing King Solomon did was to seek the Lord. It matters who we turn to when we receive dreams. We shouldn’t discuss our dreams with people so hastily rather we should be quick to seek the wisdom of God.
- Don’t be Hasty / Be Patient
“Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.”Isaiah 28:16 KJV
We shouldn’t make haste when it pertains to our walk with God and our engagement with the spiritual. We know the story of Joseph who prematurely shared his dream with his brothers and started experiencing hardships because he incited envy in his brothers.
“And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.”Genesis 37:5-8 KJV
The person who gives us spiritual revelations in dreams, visions or prophecies should be the one who tells us when and whom to disclose these encounters to.
“And Saul’s uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel. And Saul’s uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you. And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not.”1 Samuel 10:14-16 KJV
The bible says the heart of man is desperately wicked and deceitful above all things who can know it. We can’t read people’s minds, some people can smile with you but despise you deep in their hearts. Joseph made his life difficult because he prematurely discussed his spiritual encounters with the wrong people. The Bible says his brothers hated him more because of his dreams and his word. We have to be careful who we share our dreams with.
Don’t share spiritual encounters just to show off, there are some encounters that should be strictly between you and God . The secret of the Lord are with those that fear him. Samson was destroyed because he disclosed the secret of his anointing to the wrong person. For example God told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, he didn’t tell Sarah( his wife) that he was going to sacrifice their son. We have to be wise in what we choose to disclose to others. As Godly women, don’t press your husbands to disclosing certain spiritual information, as the priest of the house allow them to operate in their office.
- Have Faith in God
Men may failed you in trying to accomplish your dreams but God who started it will finish it. Don’t abandon your God given dream because men fail you. Paul was betrayed by some of his friends but he kept in line with God’s agenda for his life. Never extol or exalt any man above God as you pursue God’s dream for your life. Remember the young prophet who listened to the old prophet and terminated his ministry (1Kings 13).
“Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.”Jeremiah 17:5 KJV
The arm of flesh will always fail you, when you live by this wisdom the enemy will lose the power to discourage you when men disappoint and fail you. Even in the face of negative circumstances learn to trust and stand firm in the Lord.
“(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;”Romans 4:17-24 KJV
Learn to keep your faith alive, even when the dream appears to be unrealistic. Don’t try to help God, learn to be patient and trust in him who is able to perform all that he said he would do. While exercising your faith walk prayerfully with your dreams.
- Work on your dreams prayerfully
“This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;”1 Timothy 1:18 KJV
There is an action required of you for the assignment and dream that God has given you. There is a role that he expects you to play. There is warfare because there are many adversaries contending with what God has promised to do.
“Until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him.”Psalms 105:19 KJV
Joseph was tested and refined by the word of the Lord, it’s not an easy ride. If God has spoken it is time to engage in warfare. The devil knows that the dream that God gave you will help many people. He will fight it and bring the wrong people your way to make sure the dream is aborted and not actualized. It’s not just limited to you achieving the dream rather to the many lives tied to your expression. We have to be wise and engage. The resistance that you feel is part of the warfare and the tactics of the enemy to derail you. Learn to fight the God fight of faith. Even the son of God in the flesh fought prayerfully.
Learn to dedicate time to pray about a dream, humbling yourself through fasting and seeking the face of God. Daniel engaged prayers and fasting for 21 days .
- Mind your spiritual Company
“Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:”Daniel 2:17 KJV
It is dangerous to have a weak spiritual company. Don’t company with fools rather desire to have companions who can stand with you in seeking the Lord. The bible talks about the company of fools.
“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”Proverbs 13:20 KJV
The company you flock with matters, if you company with spiritually weak people you will remain weak. Rather company with people you can share burdens with, people who will stand with you in prayer. If you company with people who are blind, they will advise you from the stand point of spiritual blindness. Don’t company with fools, a fool has said in his heart that there is no God. People who deny the word and the ways of God are fools. Even when they pretend to be spiritual. People who deny the sonship of Jesus are fools.
When the Lord spoke to Noah about the great flood, there had been no manifestation of rain from heaven. It was the first time it would take place and everyone who heard his warning of the flood mocked at him and called him foolish. When someone mocks at the instructions of God, they are fools. The scripture says even the foolishness of God is wiser than man.
Another example was the apostles who had been threatened by the religious authorities at the time.
“And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.”Acts 4:23 KJV
We have to be careful who we report things to, don’t report to people who will counsel you into spiritual wickedness. Have the right company who will speak the love of God into your heart not people who sow the seeds of discord. Rather the people who will call you back into the path of love.
The apostles returned to their company to report what had taken place. This company was dedicated to the word of God and prayer. They were dedicated to the purposes of God.
When the devil afflicts you and you report it to an unbeliever, it only adds to the warfare, there is no wise spiritual counsel that they can give you.
It is important to understand that the body of Christ is not a religious organization. It is a spiritual power hub where we (believers)get charged to function. When you feel low, you become empowered when you assembly with the body of Christ. We are corrected, instructed and taught how to engage life with God’s life.
Learn wisdom and company with people who share the same faith and love of God. Sometimes the devil weakens our defence with offences and resentment. We learn the kingdom way of life when we engage correctly with the body of Christ, learning to forgive and letting go.
There will be recovery of every lost dream!
There will Be restoration!
We need to be conscious of what we think about. It can be a key that opens us up to divine visitations or demonic oppressions. Don’t meditate on the wrong things. When you meditate on wickedness demons will occupy your spiritual space. Learn to meditate on things that are pure, lovely, virtuous and have a good report.
Learn to meditate before you sleep, think on the wonders of God’s work.
Next week we will deal with recovering dreams that were lost especially messages from God. Sometimes the thief of the night steals dreams from you. When the devil afflicts people in the dreams he causes them not to recall their dreams. The word of God says he has made us unto our God kings and priests and we shall reign on earth. Learn to relate with dreams as king who seeks to gain understanding of dreams. Never despise or discard dreams even when you forget seek to remember them by the help of the Holy Spirit.
Any afflictions or oppressions that have been sourced from people’s dreams and have been forgotten will be removed in the name of Jesus. We have the weapons to deal with every negative spiritual programming in the name of Jesus. Jesus said any deadly thing that we take will not harm us, he understood the weapons of the enemy and he equipped us with the power to never become victims of wickedness and oppression.
Stay blessed!
