July 26, 2025
Joseph – Faith That Carries You Through
Devotions from the Life of a Dreamer with Character
1. Big Visions – Simple Hearts
God sees your potential, even when others see only your youth
Bible Text
July 26, 2025
Joseph – Faith That Carries You Through
Devotions from the Life of a Dreamer with Character
1. Big Visions – Simple Hearts
God sees your potential, even when others see only your youth
Introduction
He was his father’s favorite son, the wearer of a colorful coat, and the owner of two strange dreams: Joseph, the seventeen‑year‑old who saw things others did not.
But his dreams did not make him popular—instead, they made him the target of mockery, hatred, and eventually betrayal.
One thing became clear: Joseph had big dreams—and a simple, faithful heart.
Devotional
Genesis 37:5
“And Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.”
Joseph was young, passionate, and transparent. God granted him two prophetic dreams—visions in which his family bowed down to him. He did not seek to exalt himself. But what he saw was divinely inspired.
Here lies the tension:
God gives great visions—but not everyone understands them.
Ellen White writes:
“God often uses young people as instruments to reveal His will. Yet they must learn to grow in humility and patience before they can carry great tasks.”
—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 209
Joseph was faithful—but not yet ready for what lay ahead. The dreams were real—but the journey to fulfill them was long.
What we see today:
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God calls young people
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God shows them great things
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But character must be able to bear the dream
Story – The Boy with the Notebook
Lukas was sixteen when he began writing his dreams in a small black notebook. Not dreams in sleep—but visions for his future: becoming a missionary in Africa, opening a Christian café, starting a music project with street children.
He shared his ideas in youth group. Instead of enthusiasm, he heard:
“That’s unrealistic.”
“You’re too young.”
“Wait until you have real life experience.”
Lukas felt misunderstood. Yet he did not give up. He continued praying. Learning. Serving. And by age twenty‑one he was indeed in Africa—not with every detail he had imagined—but with a matured heart that had learned to trust God’s timing.
Reflection – What Does This Mean for You?
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Have you ever received a dream from God—something bigger than yourself?
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Were you laughed at or criticized for it?
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Are you willing to let God prepare you before the dream becomes reality?
Action Steps for Today
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Write down what God has placed in your heart—no matter how big it seems.
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Talk with God about it in daily prayer.
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Ask Him for humility, patience, and faithfulness in small things.
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Don’t be discouraged if others don’t understand.
“For the vision awaits its appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false.”
—Habakkuk 2:3
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You know my dreams—the true, deep longings You Yourself have placed in me.
Help me to remain faithful, even when others do not understand.
Give me a heart like Joseph’s—simple, yet open to the great things You have planned.
Teach me patience, trust, and courage, so that my character may be ready to bear what You have in store.
Amen.
Today’s Takeaway
“God gives you big dreams—but first He shapes your heart.”
Blessing
May the Lord bless you with courage to hold fast to your dreams,
with humility to wait on His timing,
with wisdom not to give up when others don’t understand,
and with a heart like Joseph’s—simple, faithful, and ready to bear great things.
May God accompany you on your journey—step by step, day by day.
