Over the years, I have had many prophetic dreams, but generally I keep them to myself or share them only with my wife. This dream, however, may speak to you. Friday night-Saturday morning, during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), I dreamt that I was with several people unknown to me. Christ sat in our midst and said that he wanted to warn us that there will be very troubling and deceptive times ahead, that these events would cause fear among many and test their faith, but to remember that he is with us. He said that we should not be distressed by these events, but to keep our faith, encourage others and be strengthened by the foreknowledge of what is to come that we are not alarmed, but prepared.
To me, it is significant that this dream occurred during Tabernacles, a celebration of God with us, the fall feast yet unfulfilled signifying the return of the Messiah to dwell with his people, is an indicator that Christ is our shelter. Psalm 46 is a powerful promise starting with verse 1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” Verses 7 and 11 repeat: “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” In Isaiah 41:13, the Lord says, “For I the Lord your God will hold your right hand, saying unto you, Fear not; I will help you.” Be encouraged that in the times ahead, the Lord is your security.
Dreams, such as these not only need to be interpreted, but also discerned. My brother in Christ William Agbeti reminded me of the three questions to discern this dream: Does it represent the mind of God? Does it bring comfort? Does it offer a solution? When I awoke from the dream, I immediately was drawn to the Olivet Discourse where Christ told his disciples about what would happen in the end times. The depth of the dream followed Christ’s teaching. Indeed, it brought comfort to know that Christ is with us in these troubled times ahead. The dream offered a solution in that we are to keep our faith, encourage others, and be strengthened.
The interpretation is straightforward. It was a very plain and intentional message. The Lord does not want us to be ignorant of the time ahead, nor does he want us to be deceived, nor in fear. If we are forewarned, we have the opportunity to respond to events rather than reacting. The idea of keeping the faith in troubled times is a reminder to not fall prey to false doctrines or false hope, but to trust (have faith in the Lord). In our faith, we are to be strengthened and courageous ambassadors to the mystery of the gospel. We are to be an encouragement to others that their faith may not falter. Understand that America is not at the heart of God’s prophecy. Israel is. What happens there is a sign of things to come. Also be reminded that others around the world have it much worse than do we. In all, be encouraged as Christ is with you.
