Dreams and visions

Nov 28

Today, as the Underground, we come together in prayer and fasting. Every great move of God in the Bible and throughout history begins with Extraordinary Prayer and Fasting. From the other side of eternity, we will find that the most influential people were not, perhaps, Presidents or Prime Ministers, but the people who walked with God through passionate prayer.

Today’s Strategic Focus: Dreams and Visions

Movement 1: The Purpose of Dreams and Visions Reflect:

God has spoken through dreams and visions since the very early days of the earth. There are many accounts of Him speaking to his people through dreams and visions throughout the Bible. Jacob (Gen. 28:11-22) received encouragement and promises from the Lord through dreams. God used another man’s dream to prepare Gideon for what would happen in the future (Judges 7:13- 15). God also confirmed future events through Joseph (Gen. 37:5-10). Joseph, Jesus’s earthly Father, received encouragement to stay with Mary, warning to leave Bethlehem and flee to Egypt, confirmation that it was safe to return to Isreal, and a warning of danger not to go to Judea- all through dreams and visions. Ezekiel, Daniel, and Peter/James/John all received encouragement and warning alike through visions.

Our God can speak to us in an infinite number of ways. And while not all dreams and visions are from God, God can use all dreams and visions. Think back to a dream or vision that you have had. If you have not already contemplated this dream or vision, present it to the Lord and ask him if there is anything He wants to reveal to you or receive through this heavenly communication.

Pray:

Spend time in prayer thanking God that he speaks to us each in ways through which we can hear him. Thank Him for sending His Holy Spirit to reside in us, speak to us, and guide and direct our paths.

Movement 2: Ask for Dreams and Visions

Read:

“Then, after doing all those things,
I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams,
and your young men will see visions.” -Joel 2:28

Reflect:

Through the Old Testament prophet Joel, God makes it clear that He will pour His Spirit out upon His people. And it doesn’t just say some of His people or a few special ones. It says He will pour out His Spirit upon all people. He promises that we will prophesy, dream dreams, and see visions. He promises to speak to us in this way.

When was the last time that you asked God to give you a dream or a vision? Perhaps you are just seeking for Him to speak to you in a new and fresh way. Perhaps there is a situation in your life in which you are seeking guidance and insight from Him. Why not ask Him to speak to you through a dream or vision?

Pray:

Read Joel 2:28 aloud. Then read it aloud again and insert your name:

I will pour out my Spirit upon ________.
________will prophesy.
______________will dream dreams,
and __________will see visions.

Your Heavenly Father is a good God. He wants to give good gifts to His children, and you are His child. Simply ask Him to speak to you through the language you already know. Sit quietly in His presence.

Movement 3: The Interpreter

Read:

And they replied, “We both had dreams last night, but no one can tell us what they mean.” “Interpreting dreams is God’s business,” Joseph replied. “Go ahead and tell me your dreams.”
-Genesis 40:8

Reflect:

God is the one who speaks to us through dreams and visions. He also makes it very clear that He is the interpreter. Then why is Joseph the one who interprets the dream for Pharaoh? This happens other times in the Bible as well. What you will notice that in all of these examples is the human interpreter gives God, the ultimate Interpreter, credit, and glory for what He tells them. They do not pretend to have this knowledge on their own.

Pray:

If you can, think back to a dream or vision that you have had. Ask God if that was Him speaking to you. If it was Him, ask Him to interpret for you the meaning behind the dream or vision. He is speaking. Are we listening?

Also, know that He has gifted some of his people in a unique way to be able to hear from him regarding interpretation. If you have a trusted Christ-following friend who has this gift, consider asking them to sit with your dream/vision and bring it before the Lord on your behalf.