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Welcome to Week #14 the final week of the Dreamers Series
If you missed a previous week you can find them by clicking on the pictures below:
Dream Fulfilled
Dreamers Series
“Someone should sue Disney!” she said through tears as they drove down the road. Her teenage heart had just been broken by a boy she had been dating.
“What, why? her mother replied.
“Because it’s a lie. There is no “…and they lived happily ever after” in the real world. All those movies and fairytales, they aren’t real, and they give us girls a false sense of hope and reality.
This story was shared during the reception time at my son’s wedding. His beautiful new bride’s mother stood to share a story about her daughter when she was a teenager. As we raised our classes of sparkling cider, the mom went on to say, “Sweetie, I told you that there would be a happily ever after for you, you just had to wait for the right person at the right time.”
It’s true though isn’t it? Not everything or everyone has a happy ending. Life happens and not all of it is good or fairytale like.
Not all stories in the Bible we read about have the nice Disney or Hallmark fairytale ending of “…and they lived happily ever after” either. In fact, the story of Joseph reads more like a soap opera.
As this dreamer series comes to a close, while many pieces of Joseph’s story may not have been considered “happily ever after moments” one thing is for sure. Joseph’s story is certainly one of dreams being fulfilled.
Through the mountain top highs and valley lows, God’s hand is always upon us. Share on X
Joseph’s story begins with him literally having two different dreams. His pride and immature youthfulness are definitely showing as he shares them with his brothers and father. This leads to his brothers wanting to murder him, but instead they sell him into slavery. Throughout the story there are mountain top highs and valley lows, and through it all God’s hand is upon Joseph. God is faithful to him, even in the midst of the pits and prisons of his life. God builds Joseph’s character and develops him in to a trustworthy leader who will not just save his own family, but two nations. As Joseph is finally reunited with his beloved father, we think, finally, there is going to be an .. “and they lived happily ever after” moment.
Walking in our #God dreams and destiny lead us to our happily ever after. Share on X
They did have their happy moments of being reunited. Their family was restored and saved from a famine that surely would have killed them all. They were given some choice land and shown favor because of Joseph. But then not long after they were reunited, it came time for Jacob to leave this earthly world. As was the Jewish custom, he wanted to impart blessings to his children and grandchildren, but things didn’t go as planned or as was customary. Jacob was led by the Lord to bless Joseph’s children in the wrong order, causing some upset. Even when he blessed his own sons, some were left out entirely because of previous choices and actions. You know, the ones that were soap opera like, such as sleeping with your father’s wife, pride, lust, killing, betrayal, etc.
God wasn’t going after a happily ever after moment. He was more concerned and focused on fulfilling His promises and a nation reaching its destiny. God was setting up a nation to come into its destiny. A destiny that went back several generations prior when God promised Abraham, he would be the father of many nations. God was positioning His people right where He needed them to be so the rest of His plans could unfold.
#God always sees the bigger picture even when we don’t. Share on X
God always sees the bigger picture even when we don’t. We need to trust Him and not be so concerned by having “happily ever after” moments and instead look to God’s promises and the destiny He has in mind for us.
As the book of Genesis ends, we see that Joseph and his descendants live long a prosperous in the land of Egypt. Their happily ever after moment was extended for a longer season, until of course it was time for God to initiate bringing them back home to the Promise Land.
One day, Joseph told his brothers,
Joseph (to his brothers): I am about to die, but God will someday come to you, lead you out of this land, and bring you back to the land He swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
At that, Joseph made the rest of Israel’s sons swear to him an oath.
Joseph: When God comes to you, you must take my bones along with you out of this place and back to our homeland.
Then Joseph died. He was 110 years old, and he was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt.
The story of Joseph ends with the children of Israel living in Egypt. They live there in peace and security through many generations knowing that their future is not in Egypt; their future is in another land, a land of promise, a land most of them have never seen.
(Genesis 50:24-26 The Voice)
Happily ever after isn’t about living a perfect life with no strife or difficulties Share on X
In the end, not only were Joseph’s literal dreams fulfilled with his family bowing down, but also the dreams and destiny God had planned for Him and the rest of the family line. Happily ever after isn’t about living a perfect life with no strife or difficulties. It’s not just about a moment, but it’s about the entire journey. Happily ever after is seeing God’s dreams, destiny and promises fulfilled not only in our lives, but in the lives of our family and the ones we love.
Happily ever after is seeing God’s dreams, destiny and promises fulfilled not only in our lives, but in the lives of the ones we love. Share on X
Again Welcome and Thank you for joining me for #TuneInThursday it is an honor to have you here!
I have had a few people ask for a badge/button to display on your blogs. I would absolutely be honored if you would display it, or link back here in some way. Thank you!
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The Next Dare to … Challenge Beings Monday August 19 – Have you signed up?
I invite you to join me and others for the all NEW, FREE Monthly 5-Day … Dare to… Challenges which will be held the 3rd week of the month. The next 5-Day Challenge begins Monday August 19 – Friday August 23.
You can find all the details about what the 5-days will look like, from my introduction post: Up for a challenge by clicking here:
OR you can visit my Dare2Hear Facebook page by clicking here, to see what last month’s challenge looked like. We had so much fun with prayer last month.
This month’s challenge is about to begin, so make sure to sign up to get the 5-Day Challenge email and make sure to go to the Dare2Hear Facebook page and like it, so you can participate on each days thread.
If you would like to signup for the monthly email reminders for this 5-Day Challenge, please fill out the form below and you will be notified when next month’s challenge is live.
Checkout the newest podcast episode from @Dare2Hear Episode 15: Fine Tuning Your Hearing Share on X
Episode #015: Fine Tuning Your Hearing “Dare 2 Hear The Podcast” is now live!
Thank you to those who listened last week and have already left reviews! You have blessed us so much!
Would you please consider subscribing to my podcast on the platform of your choice, sharing it on your social media with friends and if you like what you hear, would you leave a review so others can know what you think.
For those who like to watch and not just listen, I will also be posting new episodes on my YouTube Channel. You can find it by clicking here.
New episodes will be released every Wednesday. Next week Episode #016: Testing Prophecy
Can I ask a HUGE Favor?
Would you Please Listen & LEAVE A REVIEW ON iTunes…
It know it may seem like a lot to ask, because it takes time. However, if you can leave an honest review after listening, it would really be a HUGE blessing. Each review helps the podcast rank higher and get more eyes. If you’re interested, here’s how you do it:
- Go to the iTunes podcast page for my show – CLICK HERE
- Click on the blue button that says “View in iTunes.” (If you are prompted to launch iTunes, you’ll need to do so)
- Listen to Episode 1 How to Hear the Voice of God
- Click on the “Subscribe” button
- Click on “Ratings & Reviews” tab (if on your computer) or “Reviews” (on your phone)
- Under the title “Customer Reviews” click “Write a Review”
- Leave a simple and honest review then click “Submit” and you’re done!
Thanks again for helping spread the news about the podcast!
With Much love and Appreciation,
Debbie
Debbie Kitterman is a natural born encourager who is on fire for God. She is passionate about equipping individuals, so they can go deeper in the relationship with God, reach their God-potential and claim their Kingdom inheritance. Debbie is a wife, mother, author, pastor, speaker and the founder of “Dare 2 Hear,” a ministry that trains individuals to hear the voice of God. She travels to churches internationally and is the founder and teacher of d2htraining.com, an online course designed to equip the believer in releasing God’s heart. Her writing and teachings inspire faith and build bridges for people to believe and expect the impossible. She is also an ordained Foursquare pastor, currently serving with her husband, John, as senior pastor of Restoration Church in Lacey, Washington. Learn more at: www.debbiekitterman.com
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YouVersion 7-Day Devotional
This is a 7-day Devotional you can get on the YouVersion Bible App
I am blessed and honored to have a 7-day devotional on the YouVersion Bible App. YAY!!! It is a great way to kick start the 7- days before my on-line Bible Study starts next week. I would be so blessed if you would check it out and share it with your friends. You can find it here: Be The Gift Someone Needs Today!
Have you had the opportunity to read my new book “The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for others.” ? This book is about learning to hear the voice of God in our own life so we can respond to those God bumps and little nudges He gives us on a daily basis. God is calling us to be agents of encouragement and to be the gift the worlds needs today.
We live in a time, where those around us are in desperate need of a real encounter with Jesus and in need of encouragement. We are called to encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13), and to build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). My book will teach you how to step out and do just that.
To order your copy today: You can find it at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, OR your favorite online retailer, Plus, newly added, you can now get a signed copy from me. Click Here to order yours today!
We all have the opportunity to #BeTheGift of encouragement others need today.
Do you wonder if God still speaks today? Do you wonder if He would ever speak to you personally? Do you long to hear the voice of God in your life?
Have your read other books on hearing from God, but long for hands on practical application? or are you looking for ways to move you forward hearing from God?
If you answered YES to any of those questions, then I have exactly what you need. I now have an online e-course designed to equip you in understanding that God still speaks today, and He longs to speak directly to you, through His word, and others. He longs to encourage you, strengthen you and comfort you. The training on this site, is fully based on Scripture, and taken from my training manual Releasing God’s heart through Hearing His Voice.
God is speaking, Can you Hear Him?
d2htrainging.com membership site is open, I invite you to check it out today, and develop a deeper relationship with the Lord, as you learn to hear Him speak to your heart.
Looking for other Great Inspirational Parties. Click Here to see where I Link-Up weekly.
Several Submissions have been featured at Blessed Transgressions, an Online Magazine:
Balancing the Warrior & the Princess We’re Called to Be
Trusting God When it Seems Illogical
Will You Sit with Me? (Jesus is Calling.)
My Post: Adjust the Flow was featured here:
My Post: The Reluctant Encourager was featured here:
My Posts: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year & And So Do We! & Know Your Why & Jesus in Us! were featured here:
My Post #BeTheGift was featured here:
My Post “Climb Every Mountain” was featured in the August monthly link-up at : Life on Intention Link-up Party
My Posts: “Will You Sit with Me?” & New Mercies Everyday & Wait for it were featured here:
My Post: The Power of your Story, The Reluctant Encourager and #TeamJesus were featured here:
My Post “What’s in a Name?” was featured here:
My Post: “The Journey through Change” was featured here:
Again, I have been know to link to the following Inspirational Parties:
I love the reminder that God is in control of today and the future.
I do too Rebecca. It brings me comfort in the midst of all the craziness to know He has a plan.
You’re so right – “happily ever after” is about the journey! I’m so thankful God guides and makes a way for every believer on their journey. My goal is to reach Home and hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
I’ve loved reading Joseph’s story in your series!
Thank you so much Jerralea! My goal is the same thing. I want to hear those words and so I press forward through the downs and ups so I can hear Him say one day: Well done! Thank you for joining me for this series.
There have been so many times in my life when I’ve missed the big picture. I’m grateful for a God who sees far more and beyond what we see, and knows how to prepare us properly for it!
Oh me too Lisa, me too. When I often get discouraged in the here and now and what I see or don’t see, I remind myself God sees the bigger picture and it helps me keep putting one foot in front of the other.
I like your definition of happily ever after. laurensparks.net
Thank you Lauren. I hadn’t really thought much about it until I was writing this post and it’s like it just dropped into my heart. God’s perfect timing.
This! If we could only wrap our hearts around this!
“Happily ever after isn’t about living a perfect life with no strife or difficulties. It’s not just about a moment, but it’s about the entire journey. Happily ever after is seeing God’s dreams, destiny and promises fulfilled not only in our lives, but in the lives of our family and the ones we love.”
I completely agree with you Aryn! Thank you for leaving me a comment today!
I think it’s amazing how far down the future generational line God is working when He places Joseph in leadership in Egypt. I want to remember that my yieldedness and obedience isn’t only making a difference in my present, but for generations to come.
Elizabeth – I know, it amazes me too. I am reading the book of Exodus right now and God continues to do the same thing with Moses and looking toward the future. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Blessings
Debbie – Well said, “Happily ever after is seeing God’s dreams, destiny and promises fulfilled not only in our lives, but in the lives of the ones we love.”
It is hard to remember when we are in the messiness of life but it is still true.
Blessings,
Maree
Thank you so much Maree. I agree, it is very hard to remember when we are in the midst of the mess. 🙂