Guidance on Handling Dreams

In other words, do not ignore a dream or a prophecy or an answer to a prayer from whatever quarter it might come from. Don't put limits on how God might want to communicate to us. But Paul goes on to say test everything, strain out the parts of a dream, prophecy, or feeling that are not beneficial. But hold on to what is good.

Ask questions like - is the dream, prophecy, or felt answer to a prayer confirming something God has already been speaking about? In Joseph's case the angel in his dream concerning the birth of Jesus told him the very same thing that Mary had told him about. Has God said the same thing to others? God does not keep his will and his best intentions for us a secret.

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
Isaiah 7:14

However, we must be very careful not to be too hasty in throwing out something in a dream, prophecy or felt answer to a prayer because it does not agree with our interpretation of Scripture. God warns us in Isaiah that his thoughts are far, far higher than ours, and that his ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). In the context of renewing his people, God also warns that he will lead his "blind" servants by ways they have not known, and along unfamiliar paths (Isaiah 42:16,18-20).

I would rather that we keep an open mind when we read Scripture then be dogmatic about it. Now if alarm bells are ringing that is good. We need to keep revisiting Scripture, ready to be challenged by what others say so that we know what we believe in is right.

At first glance Joseph marrying Mary was not in his best interest, for he like her was probably ridiculed for the gossip; that Mary got pregnant outside of marriage and Joseph is not even the father but he was foolish enough to marry her. At first glance Joseph marrying Mary was not in his best interest but it was part of God's plan and there is no better place to be than within God's plan for he knows the outcome of events, we don't.

Joseph became the guardian and protector of Jesus whilst he was growing up - what a responsibility, what a privilege. The answer to a prayer, in whatever form it comes in must stand the test of time and must bring ultimately benefits to God's people and God's glory.

Back in the 60's and 70's within the charismatic movement (where these ministries and talk of dreams and prophecy, and answers to prayer were more common) they were told to avoid bringing their knowledge of the person's character and spirituality to bear as a factor in weighing an answer to prayer. But that is not strictly Biblical.

Jesus taught that we should beware of prophetic people who came to us as "wolves in sheep's clothing" (Matthew 7:15-23). He taught us that good trees bear good fruit, and bad trees bear bad fruit. (Luke 6:43-45). When it comes to testing these forms of God's communication to us, take a good hard look at the person who is given the answer to prayer. Are they speaking within the measure of their faith? Are they out of their depth?

Ask questions like: Do they revere and love the Lord? Anyone can say God has told be to do or says this, but does their lifestyle match up with their message? Normally, but not always, God uses holy vessels to communicate holy messages.

Concerning hearing from God, my general rule of thumb I apply to myself is: don't make decisions from what you believe you hear from God when you feel out of step with Him.

Ask questions like: Does the person saying this is what the Lord has told me in a dream, prophecy or whatever, do they hunger to become pure in heart, holy, conforming to God's ways? Are they growing in spiritual maturity - or falling back? How do they respond to correction? Do they have a teachable spirit?