The Children's lesson this week is about Joseph, the dreamer. I was thinking about how much trouble he got himself into by revealing too soon all the things that God told him would someday happen. His dreams were definitely sent by God, and yet because he shared them with those who weren't willing or ready to hear, & he didn't wait on God's timing, he caused family division that led to much heartache. Eventually, the brothers saw Joseph's dreams turn to reality but the road getting there was filled with major detours, and although Joseph ended up where God wanted him to be, perhaps he would have gotten there sooner & with less pain if he had chosen to handle things differently.
Sometimes God will give us a glimpse of something to come, for ourselves or for someone else, and He means for us to ponder it in our own hearts. As we watch Him work, it strengthens our faith and encourages us.
Sometimes He speaks words to our hearts that we alone need to hear - words of wisdom or clarification or even direction for the future. He may show us a ministry that He eventually wants us to start, build or help with. He may give us a calling or confirm one that we know we have been given. However, timing is critical and wisdom demands that until the time is right we should be very careful about who we share with. A good prayer partner or two is one thing; sharing it with those lacking your vision or faith is another.
Many Christians have run off unprepared & unsupported because they "heard a word from God" and didn't wait for His release. "Preparation preceeds priesthood", Pastor Evans used to say. Receiving a word from the Lord often means there is a season of training, education, and preparation that needs to take place for that word to be accomplished.
Several times people have come to us as pastors declaring that God has told them they are to have some leadership position in our church & expect immediate placement, while refusing to put in the time and effort to build relationships or wait for confirmation first. Still others have come to us with ministries that God has placed on their hearts that they are sure WE as the pastors are supposed to start. Dan's counsel is so wise in this area: He always says that first God will confirm it with other witnesses. Then the 3 f's will be in place: we'll have the facility to do it, the faculty to lead it, and the finances to make it work.
There are times, truly, when God says for us to do it and do it now...but we better be sure that it's His voice and not our own ambition before we launch out into something we think He said! The fallout from presumptuousness might be more than we can handle and may lead to serious stumbling blocks for those who are watching from the sidelines!
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