SELFISHNESS HINDERS DREAMS

During my university days, I had a classmate who was quite busy with many things, especially as a student union leader. Once it was the season for tests and examinations, he would pull together a discussion group. The strategy worked for him. As he led the conversation, he was picking up insights and crucial points and gaining more understanding. He ended up with great grades.

One major way to get your dreams to come to pass is to help others fulfil their dreams. If you are selfish, you will be short-sighted, and you will remain small.

Joseph had dreams. He had two in his father’s house, but it was not just having dreams that made it come to pass. When he was sold into Egypt, there were no recorded dreams that he had. But there was something he began to do- He helped others to interpret and accomplish their dreams.

In Potiphar’s house, we do not know how long Potiphar had desired a faithful steward. He filled that void so well that Potiphar did not bother about anything else except the food he ate.

When he was thrown in prison, he did not start hating those who had dreams while he had none. He positioned himself to help interpret their dreams.

“And they said to him, “We each have had a dream, and there is no interpreter of it.” So Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please.”

Genesis 40:8 NKJV

It was the servant's attitude of interpreting the dreams of others that eventually opened the door to the palace, where he also interpreted the dream of Pharaoh. He did not say, “The last time I helped someone, I was forgotten for two years. I'm not doing it again”. Do not let hurt hold you back from giving your best!

At the end of interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams and making a recommendation that would handle the challenges, his own dreams of many years began to find expression.

If you think you will win by selfishness or isolation, you have been deceived. When Peter served the Lord by releasing his boat, the Lord blessed Peter by giving him a huge harvest, which cancelled the night-long toiling. If he had not released that boat, he would have gone home empty.

Serve. Volunteer. It gives you access to people, places and processes. See how others get it done, and you will be able to replicate the same or improve on it when it is time.

If all you think about is yourself, your dream is too small! Deal with selfishness. Ask the Lord to give you a God-sized vision. Ask God to give you something bigger than just yourself! If the vision you have for your life does not intimidate you, most likely it is too small!

temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa