When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”  
Matthew 2:13-15

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I don’t typically remember my dreams. Most mornings, I wake up wondering if I dreamt at all. Except for one I had a few years ago. I had a dream that not only did I remember, but it felt different. It felt significant and important. 

In the dream, I was with a group of people hiking through the woods. We had a tour guide and my sister was there with me. I was the caboose in the group and doing my best to keep up while taking in the sights and navigating the dirt path, afraid I would trip—apparently, even in my dreams I am aware of my klutziness. Suddenly, I slipped on some pea gravel and slid down into a dark cave where I could hear lions roaring beneath me in the darkness. My sister attempted to help me, but she slipped and followed me down into the darkness. As I fell, I remember feeling totally at peace, knowing God would protect me. I woke up confused and wondered what on earth a dream like that meant. Falling into a dark lion’s den? Everything in my life was going right. In fact, it had never been better. I was cruising on Easy Street and loving every minute of it. 

A few months later, I had my answer. My family experienced a major life event, and we entered a very difficult season. Easy Street had an unexpected detour and it led down a bumpy and nearly undrivable road—the meaning of the dream became very clear to me. I realized that dream was God’s way of showing me He had gone before me. He wanted me to be at peace, even though I knew what the lions were capable of, because He was working it out. And work it out He did.

How can we best hear God and plan for the detours that are in store for us?  The answer is simple: Be still and listen for God’s guidance. Many times in life, I just want to know what’s ahead. I want God to give me the road map with very clear guideposts and turn-by-turn directions. I am worried that I won’t hear God’s guidance or that I’ll take the wrong turn. And in times like these, I remember, God doesn’t give us the road map—He gives us the next step. God is our loving Father, He will never lead us astray, and He will meet us where we are to get our attention in the way we will best receive it. 

Next Steps

Pray for God to reveal the areas in your heart where you are struggling to hear His guidance and for your next turn in the road map of life.