**The Dreamer's Journey: Unpacking the Call of Joseph**

When we read Genesis 37:19, we come across a pivotal moment in the life of Joseph, the favored son of Jacob. The scripture states, “And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.” At first glance, this verse may seem simple, but upon further examination, it reveals profound truths about dreams, familial relationships, and God’s divine plan for our lives.

### The Context of the Dream

To fully appreciate the significance of this moment, we must look at the backstory. Joseph was endowed with dreams that foretold his future prominence — dreams that suggested he would rise above his brothers and even his parents. These dreams incited jealousy and resentment from his siblings, particularly because Jacob had already favored Joseph with a coat of many colors. In their eyes, Joseph’s dreams were not empowering prophecies but rather blasphemous declarations of superiority.

In our own lives, we may encounter moments when God places a dream, a vision, or a calling upon our hearts that others may not understand or may even oppose. The challenges that arise often come in the form of skepticism or derision. Just as Joseph’s brothers scoffed and mocked his dreams, we may face similar responses when we share our God-sized visions with others.

### The Cost of Dreams

The term “dreamer” is evocative. It evokes images of aspiration and hope but can also carry connotations of naivety. These brothers were about to learn the harsh reality that sometimes pursuing one’s dreams comes with a heavy cost. As we pursue our God-given dreams, we must recognize that there may be those who do not support or believe in us. They may label us as “dreamers” in a condescending manner, dismissing our ambitions as unrealistic.

Joseph didn’t let the opinions of his brothers deter him; he held firmly to the dreams God had given him. There’s a lesson here: it is crucial to remain steadfast in our beliefs, especially when faced with animosity or doubt. For every dreamer, there will be critics. But herein lies the beauty of faith: our trust should not be in the responses of others but rather in the faithfulness of the God who called us.

### God’s Sovereign Plan

Consider for a moment how Joseph’s story unfolds. That mockery, that scorn—those very actions set into motion a series of events leading to Joseph’s eventual rise to power in Egypt. What initially seems like a setback is transformed into divine providence. God has an uncanny way of using the trials and tribulations we face as stepping stones toward our destiny.

Romans 8:28 reassures us that “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Joseph’s brothers rejected him, but God had already ordained a greater purpose for Joseph that would not only save his family from famine but also preserve the lineage through which Jesus, our Savior, would come.

### Embracing Our Identity

In conclusion, when we think about the label “dreamer,” let us embrace it with pride. We are dreamers of dreams given by God. Rather than allowing the negativity or disbelief of others to shake our faith, let us draw strength from Joseph’s story. The journey may be fraught with struggles, but those struggles are shaping us into the individuals who can walk boldly into our calling.

Let us commit to holding onto our dreams and believing in the promises of God over our lives. As we do so, we affirm our identity as dreamers, prepared to step into God’s intended purpose, equipped to overcome challenges, and ready to witness the unfolding of His magnificent plans.