Stepping Stones: Do You Chase the Right Goals?

18 August 2010



Transformational Thought

We all like goals. Happiness, satisfaction, pay the bills on time, play with the kids after work, get my work done so I can watch the ballgame, help people navigate life better. Some goals are simple and some goals are complex.

Looking back on my life, a lot of my goals didn’t really emerge from a well thought-out process. Rarely did I look at the whole picture. They were usually me oriented and “fixed” one problem, but led to other problems. The danger is, once I set a goal, I almost become single-minded to achieve it. I head off going about it “my way.” Evaluating my life to determine a healthy and God-honoring goal has to be the starting point if I want to be successful and enjoy life.

We are taught to be self-sufficient and to solve our own problems. Mix that with wanting to avoid past mistakes and their associated pain. Blend that with so many things happening to me quickly that it is hard to step back and get on overall big picture strategy in place. This is the blend Satan desires so we make short term, me-centered goals, that we accomplish based on our own strength, and by way of knee-jerk decisions. Wow, sounds like a teenager. But how many of us, deep inside, really grow out of those kind of goals and strategies.

Today, before going after your next goal (or maybe you are in the midst of achieving a goal) talk with God about it directly through prayer and listen (as He speaks to your spirit, through friends and family, and through circumstances). Ask for God’s discernment to help you decide if that goal is according to His will… for you… right now. If the answer is yes, then you pursue that goal with even more confidence. When that goal is reached, thank God for his help and guidance. Rejoice in what He has accomplished in you.

Prayer
Dear Father, Pursuing goals comes so naturally to me, it’s almost like second nature. I confess that when a goal grabs my attention, my instinct is to “go for it” without talking it over with you. I realize now that many of my goals are so superficial and have nothing to do with pleasing You or doing Your work. I know, Lord, that when I take time to discuss matters with You, my life becomes so much more satisfying. I pray, Lord, that You help me develop goals that are according to Your will…that You become my captain in all the tasks I need to accomplish the goal... and grow my humility to accept your direction, will, and timing. I pray that You shine the light of Your presence on all my goals. I pray in the name of the one modeled the ultimate goal, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness.
Psalm 89:15-16
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Stepping Stones Devotional

Lighthouse Network's Stepping Stones Community
  • Stepping Stones: Loss Is Your Door to His Stability
    February 10, 2012

    Transformational Thought

    As young children, one thing we learn quickly is the reality of loss. Missing a meal, seeing others whose needs do get met, losing a mother’s attention to a newborn sibling, losing a beloved toy, losing at games, loss through divorce or job relocation. Loss of innocence through abuse or extreme life circumstances.

    Life is filled with many kinds of losses. But despite the cause, one thing is certain: all loss hurts, regardless of its size. We recover quickly from some losses … but others take months or even years to absorb and process. Certain losses are temporary while others are permanent.

    In today's economic environment in which businesses are closing and downsizing, many are facing the loss of their jobs. This kind of loss can be devastating to anyone, but especially to the breadwinner of a family. Even if it is a second job, it may represent a threat to survival, credibility, and stability for our spouse or kids.

    Job loss can produce many emotions, but fear is usually at the root of any uncomfortable response. Will I lose my home? My child is leaving for college this fall—will I have to break the news that it will be impossible? We have built up credit card debt trying to keep our heads above water … what now? Who will respect me? Will our marriage survive this pressure?

    These and many other concerns are very real and can seem extremely threatening. If we keep our eyes on the waves of hardship, we will sink into despair and hopelessness. This is a time when it is difficult … but imperative … to focus on Jesus, not on the problems. This is a time to remember that He, not our job, is our source of value, peace, security, comfort, redemption, and abundance.

    We may go through some real challenges. We may have to tighten our belts and make some sacrifices. These struggles are not easy, but with Jesus we have hope and a powerful peace. Our job may be gone and the economy may be falling apart, but God has not changed. Step back from the hardship and see your life from God’s perspective. It is because of his mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed.

    Today, dig into the areas where you struggle or have experienced some recent hardship. What is the fear at the bottom of the issue? Infuse Jesus’ teachings into your fear, let Him bring healing and comfort to your pain. Then re-evaluate your struggle through these new lenses. Remember, great and abundant is His stability and faithfulness in all things. Life is your decision, so choose well.

    Prayer
    My Father and Lord, This economy and my finances have left me feeling angry and fearful. Help me to regroup … to remember that You are here, that You love me and my family, and that You have a plan. Help me remember that this economy and my recent loss have not taken You by surprise … and that You have already made a way for me. Thank You that Your compassion never fails and that Your stability and faithfulness are abundant. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who provides my stability, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

    The Truth
    It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.
    Lamentations 3:22-23

    The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
    John 10:10
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