June 22, 2011
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The Testing of Dreams and Prophecy…
I’ve noticed in my life that the clearer the dreams and particularly the more direct the words of prophecy usually require greater testing and faith than the dreams and prophetic words that are simple or not fully clear. Why is this? I believe it is because God never wants to be our fortune teller or our slave master. He wants to have a relationship with us. So many people want God to give them a clear sign or dream or prophetic word about their future, but in doing so sometimes they can mistakenly treat God as if He is far off or not interested in them. And so God allows such people to go through a time of testing and refining in order for them to grow closer to the Lord, see how faithful He is in the small things, and grow enough faith to fully achieve the plans God has for them.
Psalms 105:17-19 (NKJV… the NIV butchers verse 19) – He sent a man before them–Joseph–who was sold as a slave. They hurt his feet with fetters, he was laid in irons. Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him.”
Joseph got two super clear dreams when he was young that he would be royalty and would be exalted. But his life seemed to show nothing of that. But rather than forsake the dreams or demand more of them, Joseph remained faithful in the small things and saw God work around him, even in his time as a slave and as a prisoner.
What I have found in my life is that as long as I am walking close with God the signs, the dreams, and the clear words of prophecy almost never catch me way off guard or surprise me. I know God is with me and He is already directing me within. The closer I am with him, the steadier the compass within me directs me.
If there is a super strong, directive word of prophecy given, it is critical to keep close to the Lord and wait on Him. There can actually be an expectation and understanding that Satan will try and throw smokescreens to make you disbelieve that direct word, but it is important to never lose faith or intimacy with God. Let God test you and refine you. His timing is perfect.
Blessings!
