A thought, a dream, or a vision, is a seed of every apparent thing. The universe that we see now, existed in the mind of God before it came into visible expression. The first creative act of God was the act of idealization, or mental creation. The same law perfectly applies both to us and to God. "When a man builds a house he builds it first in his mind. He has the idea of a house, he completes the plan in his mind, and then he works it out in manifestation. Thus God created the universe", wrote Charles Fillmore.

The character and the permanence of all creative things depend on character of ideas back of those creations. Since we are called by God to be responsible creators of our life and our world, co-creators with Him, it is important for us to learn how to work with dreams, ideas, and mental visions in order to bring forth the results that we desire.

Let us take a close look at Joseph, one of the sons of Jacob, who is a vivid picture of a divinely inspired visionary. The thrilling story of his life in the last chapters of the book of Genesis reveals us the power of vision in human life.

"And Joseph dreamed a dream and told it to his brothers... we were binding sheaves in the middle of the field, and lo, my sheaf arose and also stood upright. And behold, your sheaves stood around and bowed down to my sheaf,
And he dreamed still another dream, and told it to his brothers... the sun and the moon and the eleven stars bowed down to me.
Genesis 37:5-9

This incident points to two significant principles:

First, every vision from God is a vision of greatness, a vision of growth. It shows us new accomplishments, new achievements, new discoveries, new possibilities, - something we never realized before. True vision leads people to a new level of awareness of who they are, and what is their potential. It speaks of "something greater" than apparent reality. That's why visions and dreams are terrifying for some people. That's why many are anxious to write off all new ideas that enter into their minds as vain and empty illusions, choosing to follow an old and well-known road.

Second, a visionary has to be independent in his/her judgments. Since true vision is bigger than present apparent conditions, it could easily be rejected and criticized by so-called authorities. The history proved it over and over, that even great men and women can be blind. It is good to respect those who were extraordinary achievers of the past, but it is dangerous to limit our dreams, visions, and expectations by their judgments. A timid person, who is looking for external approval of every idea that enters into his/her mind and heart, won't avail much.

Third, a visionary has to be courageous. "The fear of man brings a snare" (Proverbs 29:5), tells the Bible. The fear of others entangles us with many invisible cords, blocking our progress. When we are ruled my fear, we are doomed to failure, stagnation, and discontentment.

At the same time, our courage has to be balanced with wisdom. We need to remember that vision comes to us as a seed, and there is an appointed time of growth for every kind of seed. It cannot be skipped over. Premature and forceful attempts to fulfill our vision could cause us serious troubles. Don't haste, for God doesn't haste. Let all things happen in their divine order.

The growing process occurs in the stillness of our hearts. That's why, for the sake of our vision, it is often better to keep our mouth shut. "There is time to keep silence, and time to speak" (Ecclesiastes 3:7). Talking with negatively minded people could be dangerous, as we see it from the story of Joseph. His youthful arrogance threatened not only his vision, but his very life!

"Behold, this dreamer comes. Therefore come now, and let us kill him, and throw him into some pit... And we shall see what will become of his dreams" (Genesis 37:19-20), decided jealous brothers.

Fortunately, Joseph stayed alive - but he was sold to slavery into Egypt for many years. During all of his trials, he had numerous opportunities to become disappointed and disillusioned, to renounce his vision, but he stayed true to the mental picture of greatness that he saw. Through his patient obedience, Joseph proved that until we remain faithful to our dream, our dream remains faithful to us - no matter what are the obstacles.