Imagine that your dream is gasping for breath. Do you leave it on life support or pull the plug? Some dreams are worth fighting for, others—not so much.

From Dream to Nightmare
Cue Joseph, son of Jacob, the posterchild of someone whose dream appeared in dire need of CPR. Genesis 37:7-9 describes the two visions God gave him, indicating he would rule over his brothers and others. As you can imagine, his brothers didn't share his enthusiasm. The revelation fanned their jealousy to a rage, and they sold Joseph into slavery, thinking they'd squelched his dreams of grandeur once and for all.
Following God's Plan doesn't Assure Smooth Sailing
Why couldn't he live with his family, wearing his coat of many colors, and enjoying all the of the favored son's perks until the time when Pharoah's dream needed an interpretation? I tend to agree with commentors who suggest Joseph enjoyed the idea of people bowing to him a little too much and needed a lesson in humility.
Leaders Need Skills
Joseph probably gained needed management skills while supervising Potiphar's estate, and from overseeing his fellow inmates during his years of false imprisonment. By working diligently in every situation thrown at him and not succumbing to despair, he proved his mettle. In addition, he gave God the glory. Through obedience to God, he stored enough provisions for Egypt to endure the 7-year drought, saving multitudes of people, including the future of nation of Israel.
The dream God planted in Joseph's heart blossomed into a bountiful harvest, despite the hardships he endured.
What can we learn from Joseph?
In hindsight, it's obvious that Joseph's dream held great value. However, when your dream comes under siege, how do you determine if you should continue or abandon?
Seek God's guidance through prayer whether to pursue or abort the dream.
Reflect on the motives behind your aspirations:
Whose glory is at the center, God's or yours?
Has the dream become an idol in your life?
Evaluate if additional discipline or knowledge is necessary:
Can you acquire the needed knowledge?
Weigh the benefits versus costs for both you and others should you choose to continue or let go.
Check your compass; have you veered off course, requiring a recalculation of your path?
Scriptural Advice Relating to Dreams
"Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truths, and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:4-5 NIV
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5 NIV
"Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty." Proverbs 21:5 NLT
"If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities." Luke 16:10 NLT
Dreams Destined to be Put Out of Their Misery
1 Corinthians 13:11 reminds me of my early hopes and dreams, "When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up my childish ways." ESV
In my youth, I dreamed of accepting a Grammy award amid all the bright lights. I even practiced my acceptance speech in front of my mirror, speaking into my hairbrush/microphone. As I matured, I came to grips with the fact that God created me with only a three-note vocal range. The particular three notes change with the weather, lowering as much as an octave in cool, humid temperatures.
Every four years when the Olympics rolled around, I fantasized standing on a podium with a gold medal gleaming from my neck. I gave sports my best shot, training harder than anyone else on the team. However, the shockingly poor coordination God blessed me with prevented any chance for me to excel in sports, shattering my Olympic hopes.
Hitting Pause
My current aspiration involves writing and publishing Christian fiction stories that inspire readers. Although I have independently published two books, I am determined to create even more impactful stories. A recent challenge has paused my writing plans temporarily. Like Joseph needed to acquire skills for his purpose, I recognize the need to hone my writing skills so that I am fully prepared to resume when the time is right.
This dream has a fighting chance, because my writing talent surpasses my vocal or athletic abilities. A shift in my focus has also occurred. I'm not chasing awards and trophies. It's no longer about me; it's about you, the reader. My purpose is to write stories that resonate and leave and indelible mark on the depths of your soul.
Show Your Mettle
Embrace the spirit of Luke 16:10 by giving your best effort in all pursuits, including volunteer work. You never know who may observe you and offer valuable assistance toward your goal. Like Joseph, let your skills and resilience pave the way to your own extraordinary story.
Turn your eyes toward the heavens, let praises flow from your lips, and dare to dream!
Angela L Gold is author of The Lion Within and Kill Shot.