Dreams and Visions

Michael W.
Nov 8
3 min read

Supernatural Guidance

Have you ever had a dream that felt more profound than a random firing of neurons? Throughout the Bible, God has used dreams and visions as a primary way to communicate with humanity, offering supernatural guidance, instruction, and warnings. These divine experiences are a powerful testament to a God who actively engages with His people.

A Glimpse into God's Communication

The concept of God speaking through dreams and visions is deeply embedded in Scripture. They serve as a unique bridge between the heavenly and earthly realms, often providing clarity where human wisdom falls short.

1. The Patriarchs and Prophets

From the beginning, God used these methods to guide key figures:

Jacob's Ladder: Jacob received a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven, confirming God's covenant and presence with him (Genesis 28:10-17). This dream provided reassurance and direction during a time of fear and uncertainty.
Joseph the Dreamer: Joseph's dreams about his future greatness, though initially misunderstood by his family, were ultimately proven true and instrumental in saving his family and Egypt from famine (Genesis 37, 41).
The Prophets: Major prophets like Daniel and Ezekiel recorded detailed, world-altering visions that revealed future events and God's sovereign plan over nations (e.g., Daniel 7, Ezekiel 1).

2. Guidance in the New Testament

The New Testament also demonstrates the critical role of dreams and visions:

The Birth of Jesus: An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream multiple times to guide him—first to confirm Mary's miraculous pregnancy and later to warn him to flee to Egypt to protect the young child (Matthew 1:20-21; 2:13).
Peter's Vision: Peter received a vision of a sheet filled with "unclean" animals, which challenged his preconceived notions and led directly to the evangelization of the Gentiles (Acts 10:9-16). This was a crucial piece of guidance that changed the course of early Christianity.
Paul's Call: Paul received a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help, which spurred him to take the Gospel into Europe (Acts 16:9-10).

Distinguishing the Divine from the Mundane

The sheer volume of our thoughts and worries can often populate our nighttime hours. So, how can we discern if a dream or vision is truly supernatural guidance from God?

The Bible offers a clear standard:

"If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, 'Let us follow other gods,'... you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you..." (Deuteronomy 13:1-3, ESV)

Three Key Filters:

Alignment with Scripture: A genuine word from God will never contradict the established truth of the Bible. It will always align with God's character and His written Word.
Fruit of the Spirit: Divine guidance leads to things like peace, love, joy, patience, and faithfulness, not confusion, fear, or discord (Galatians 5:22-23).
Confirmation: God often uses multiple witnesses or other forms of spiritual confirmation to affirm a significant piece of guidance.

Moving Forward with Divine Direction

If we believe in a God who speaks, we must be prepared to listen. We are called to be prayerful, expectant, and discerning.

We are reminded in Acts 2:17 (quoting the prophet Joel) that in the last days, God will pour out His Spirit: "Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams..."

God is still speaking today! May we be attentive to the ways He chooses to guide us, whether through the still, small voice, the clear instruction of Scripture, or even in the quiet mystery of a supernatural dream or vision.