One of the most noted dreamers in the Bible was Joseph. (See Genesis 37:9-11) Although Joseph had his dream of future greatness in chapter 37, the Bible records that his path to that greatness was riddled with challenges.

Just like Joseph, there are times when our dreams and visions don't materialize like we think they should. Things just don't go right! However, just like Joseph, we're got to remind ourselves that God is with us. We've got to hold on to our dreams. I want to suggest a few things to help you to hold on if you're in a state of "spiritual tiredness" because your dreams have been deferred.

1. Rehearse your dream. Once you've had a dream, you can choose to categorize it as trivial and forget it, or focus in on it and remember it. In order to remember it and bring it to the forefront of your mentality you must first believe it and second reheard it. You might say, "This what God showed me in my dream --- " And when things don't seem to be working out on your behalf, you remind yourself that the Word of God declares "And we know that all things work together for good to those that love God, to those that are called according to his purpose" (Rom. 8:28) and you say again, "This is what God showed me in my dream --- and I've got to hold on to my dream."

2. Write your dream. Commit your dream to paper, this helps to clarify and define your dream. In Habakkuk, when it seemed like all hell was breaking loose, God shared this powerful strategy: "Then the LORD answered me and said: 'Write the vision And make it plain on tablets. That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry'" There is power in print (YES!) When you document God's promise, you are effectively confirming the spiritual Word in a physical way! Get that paper and hold on, by faith!

3. Live your dream. That others may know that the God you serve is God, you must live your dream and then testify of your dream! There will be pain on the pathway to accomplishing your dream, and there will be times when the wind ceases to blow and your sails lose air, but you must keep going! There is someone somewhere whose faith is waiting to be encouraged by your testimony. God wants to use your life to be a witness to others; that's why you've got to get up, and not only resume waiting, but start running!

About the Writer Dr. Teresa Hairston, the founder of the company, had a vision to impact the world with positive information about the Gospel community. The mission of Gospel Today is: "to inspire, inform, empower and educate people toward godly standards of excellence in their daily lives."In 1989, Hairston, a divorced mother of three small children, raised a meager investment of $300 to start the four-page newsletter that she distributed to about 500 Gospel industry "insiders." That newsletter has now grown and evolved into Gospel Today, an internationally distributed magazine reaching 250,000 people. She has also expanded the company to include several ancillary products. Hairston is recognized as a leader in her field and has built a positive rapport with many other ministries and industry leaders. Visit www.gospeltoda y.com and you can reach her at drhairstongt@aol.com. The office number is 770.719.4825 in Fayetteville, Georgia.

Dr. Hairston is a minister of the Gospel and has presented at Woman! Thou Art Loosed, the National Convention of Choirs and Choruses, and many other settings. Her motto is: "When God gives you a vision, He'll make the provision!" Her favorite scripture is Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good, to those who love God, to those who the called according to His purpose." She says, "My goal in life is to use everything that I've been through, everything that I am and everything that I endeavor to do to glorify God and build His Kingdom. I want to help people understand that they can achieve their God-inspired visions. They just need a little faith, and God will make the way."