Goals -Big, Medium, Small

Daily Hope quoted that, “If you set a big goal, God will work in a big way. If you set a medium-size goal, God will work in a medium way. If you set a small goal, God will work in a small way.” 

     I am a goal setter. Mine have never been to climb Mount Everest, go the moon, travel the world, or become a millionaire, so I guess I have never set big goals. However, my goals give me something to look forward to, to strive for, and in which to hope.

     I need goals, but they need to be Godly ones—good ones…ones which enrich life. Many of my previous goals were to benefit myself, but lately I am seeking more and more goals which will benefit others, as well.  This is important, and I may consider these goals small, but I believe God sees them as “Big”.

     Setting goals helps me grow and mature. True, I may never reach certain ones, and I may need to re-evaluate and set new ones, but I always look forward to what “will be” and by letting God take the reins.

     Daily, I just can’t wait to see what happens. When and how!

 

Goals

      It's that time when we talk about developing resolutions for the new year.  I prefer goals over resolutions because my resolutions usually just go by the wayside.  Most would argue that a goal and a resolution are the same but, by definition, they are different.  I firmly believe in setting goals.  A goal gives me hope and something to work toward, and it may take me a number of years or even a lifetime.  Because I classify myself as a dreamer,  I am far less likely to give up on a goal.  In setting goals, I need to rely on what is important: 

     Proverbs 3:21 tell us about two goals.  "Have two goals: wisdom - that is, knowing and doing right - and common sense.  Don't let them slip away."  Then in 1 Corinthians 9:25 we find, "So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step.  I fight to win.  I'm not just shadow boxing or playing around." Then in 2 Corinthians 10:13, "...Our goal is to measure up to God's plan for us..."  

     With all this in mind, I haven't decided to add to the goals I have already set or just be more determined than ever to work harder on my existing ones.  Whatever the case, "Happy New Year" to all this coming 2022.  

     

      

Goals

 I am a firm believer in setting goals, although they often may change or never get accomplished, but when they do I find fulfillment.

     My devotion with "In Touch" stated that goals are a part of the Christian life: "First is salvation.  Next God gives us an opportunity to serve.  Then comes frustrated inadequacy which  leads into dependence on Jesus and brings us closer to our ultimate goal: becoming a reflection of Christ."

    The inadequacy part hit home.  Many times when I crawl into bed, I get this sensation of restlessness.  "What have I missed today?" or "What have I left undone?"  Maybe my thoughts on missing the mark for the day should go something like:  

                                                        G oing
                                                        O n
                                                        A ltered
                                                        L ongings

     And my prayer should be: What goals should I have changed to meet God's intended purpose.  Let me find and seek to fulfill them.  

New Year's Resolution for 2014

     There is no greater place to decide to establish a new goal or resolution for the new year than this place I call “A Friendly Shade” even if it is currently 14 degrees and much colder than usual for this part of lower southern Arkansas.   It may take a long time to see results, and many of us who form new resolutions for the year soon run into road blocks, but through faith we can “press on.”
     My goal for improvement is what I set most every year; lose weight, start a healthier exercise program, be more conservative in order to become more financially secure, and most important-read my Bible daily and have a closer walk with God. 
     Yet, only 7 days into the new year I have met a road block.  How can I improve on my financial budget when a major appliance has “bitten the dust?”   How can I maintain an early morning walking routine, before leaving for work, when the temperature has hit an unusual low of 14 degrees?  In my human weakness, the warmth of my bed leaves me snuggling beneath the covers much too long after the alarm has alerted me to the time.     
     When I fail to meet schedules in order to reach my goal, I have to remind myself that just because I have hit a road block, it does not mean that I have failed.  There is always a detour road that can get me where I want to be.  It may just take a little longer.  As Philippians 3:14 says, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me…”
     We all have failures but it is determination that creates success.  Sometimes we may have to forget about the goal for a while and come back to it later.  Scarlett O’Hare in “Gone With The Wind,” left a lasting impression with several quotes throughout the story.   When it was too much for her she cried,  “I can’t think about this now.  I’ll go crazy if I do.  I’ll think about it tomorrow.”  In time, when we see ourselves failing, we have to pick ourselves up and start again.  Again Scarlett gives us encouragement when she  exclaimed,  “As God is my witness they’re not going to lick me.  I’m going to live through this.”   Then finally at the end, she determinedly states, “I’ll think of some way…After all, tomorrow is another day!”
     Therefore in 2014, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize…”