Question:
I dream that I am waiting at a specific place to preach, but then I get delayed or distracted by other things and don’t make it on time. What could this mean?
Answer:
Dreams like this are common among people who have a responsibility to serve others, especially leaders and preachers. They often come in different forms: some dream they are waiting to preach at a meeting but get delayed by minor issues—such as waiting in line, distractions from people, or unimportant matters. Others dream they are supposed to go up to the pulpit but find themselves naked, searching for clothes, unable to prepare, and eventually miss the opportunity to preach before the audience disperses.
Theologically, such a dream signals that your readiness to fulfill the role God has assigned you is insufficient. There are spiritual or practical hindrances preventing you from stepping fully into your calling. This can reflect a lack of preparation, distractions, or even internal struggles that delay you from fully serving God’s purpose for you.
Paul’s exhortation to Timothy speaks directly to this issue:
2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV):
“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
This verse highlights the importance of constant readiness and perseverance in ministry, regardless of circumstances or timing. You are called to be prepared always, not waiting for “the perfect moment.”
To address this, you must identify and remove the obstacles—whether they are external distractions or internal doubts—that keep you from being fully available and ready to serve. Spiritually, this involves putting on the whole armor of God to stand firm against any forces that seek to delay or prevent your service.
Paul reminds believers in Ephesians of the necessity of spiritual preparedness:
Ephesians 6:13-15 (NIV):
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
In other words, your spiritual preparation is as crucial as physical readiness. You must actively cultivate truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation daily so that you can stand unmoved when challenges arise.
The dream calls you to a deeper level of commitment and spiritual discipline. It challenges you to examine your life for anything that hinders your readiness—practical delays, distractions, fear, or lack of faith—and to commit yourself fully to God’s timing and calling.
Reflection:
Are you fully prepared and spiritually equipped to stand firm and preach God’s word when called upon? Or are there things in your life that need adjustment to align you more closely with God’s purpose?
May God strengthen you, remove every hindrance, and fill you with His readiness and courage to fulfill your calling faithfully.
Blessings in Christ.