Setting Your Goals

I recently delivered a sermon at church while the minister was away for the holidays. It's no big deal, I've done it many times before.....that wasn't my 'goal'. I decided to speak on New Years Resolutions and the goals we set for ourselves. Is it Christian like to set high standards and goals. Is it appropriate to say affirmations to yourself. I not recap my lesson but I will say this, YES! It certainly is and there are several scriptures in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament that gives us examples.

The key? Do ALL things for the glory of God. Don't get carried away with yourself and your goals/accomplishments. He is the one who provides us with the blessings that we enjoy. The blessings of success are evident in the work that I've been able to accomplish. I certainly couldn't have done it without him.

Oh sure, I was worn out and tired at the end of last year. I asked for his guidance and help and he provided. He didn't just hand me over 13 marathon medals and say POOF! You've met your crazy goals. He made me work for it. God isn't a Genie that grants wishes. He is our Father that teaches us and cares for us. I have felt very blessed to have learned so much along my path in 2015. I look forward to what he wishes to share with me in this coming year.

So I share that if you have already set your goals for 2016, take a look at them again. Do they give you the right focus? Are they for the right reason? Are you being grateful for them along the way? I think it is wonderful to set high goals. Maybe even ridiculous goals. Many motivational speakers will say that you should plan realistically. That makes sense.....and it is the safe way. Not necessarily setting a crazy number of marathons when you haven't ever done that before. I just recall the scriptures where he tells us that we will be blessed because he can accomplish "immeasurably more than we can imagine".

IMMEASURABLY MORE......THAN WE CAN IMAGINE! So right now your goals you set are potentially too small. That's right, too small. We cannot even imagine what he can do in our lives......if you have the right reason.....and the right purpose. He does ask a few things in return. To love him, your neighbor and follow his commandments. Pretty simple.

I am reminded of the story about Gideon in the bible where God wanted to show his power. He didn't send the entire army with Gideon....that would be too easy. He kept sending away the troops until he got down to only 300. And what kind of soldiers were they? I say soldiers loosely. I think they were more animals.....maybe a bit crazy. After all they were facing a HUGE force against them and God had narrowed it down to have only 300...... Great warriors?.......how about 300 that drank water like a dog. Yep.....like a dog! And they won, without one causality. God can do immeasurably more than you can imagine. Just let him.

Just believe my friends and enjoy your day. Set your goals and follow your dreams....along with your prayers.

Eugene Thompson

ET This I Believe

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