Most of us would like to have better relationships with our family, friends and with God. We’d like to be financially sound and in better health. There are many things we would like to see happen in our lives, and those things are possible, even probable, but not without a plan. Everybody ends up somewhere, but few end up somewhere on purpose. Most people stumble through life, more than willing to do life without a plan. It’s hard to believe that so many are comfortable hanging out with no strategy, no plan, just hoping tomorrow will be better and brighter. Most positive change doesn’t happen by accident. You don’t just wake up one day and have great relationships, find yourself 20 pounds lighter, financially secure and closer to God than you’ve ever been (unless you died and went to Heaven). Only those who see clearly, have vision and a plan end up somewhere on purpose.

Scriptures
Job 6:11; Pr 3:5-6, 29:18; Jer 29:11; Mt 9:29, 17:20; 1 Cor 9:26; Eph 3:20

Verse
Where there is no vision, the people perish. (Pr 29:18) “What strength do I have that I can go on hoping? What goal do I have that I would want to prolong my life?” (Job 6:11) “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer 29:11) “According to your faith let it be done to you.” (Mt 9:29)

Thought
If you’re going to end up somewhere on purpose, you need to see clearly and aim at the right targets. You need a game plan for your life and you need Godly goals. 1) God honoring goals give purpose and clarity to life. They keep you moving forward even when times are tough and you feel like giving up. When you have purpose and a clear view of where you’re headed, you find strength and hope to keep moving forward. 2) God honoring goals also provide focus for your life. In order to live an effective life, you have to focus. You don’t have time to do everything, so don’t waste time and energy mired in indecision about what you should be doing. Take a look at your “to do” list and determine what is urgent and what is important. Usually the urgent is not really that important. Don’t push off the things that matter most like spending more time with those you love and investing time in your spiritual life. Use your energy on what matters. When your focus is clear, making decisions about how you will expend your time and energy is much easier. 3) God honoring goals stretch your faith. Without faith you’ll just hang out and drift, which doesn’t require faith. God honoring goals are statements of faith that make you step out and move toward what you believe God wants you to do. God rewards faith by moving and acting on your behalf. Little faith, small reward…big faith, big reward…no faith, well, it’s according to your faith! 4) God honoring goals also build character. While you are working on your goals and striving toward them, God is developing your character. Life is hard, and this world is character-training camp. Keep working, keep seeing the future as God sees it for you. It doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a life-long process.

Questions
Have you ever drifted without a plan for your life? Are you drifting now? Do you know anyone who sets lots of goals and never attains any of them? What keeps a person from reaching their goals? What keeps a person on the path to attaining their goals? What are your goals By 2020? If you don’t have any, go to the “Response” section below. Where does God fit into the goals you now have?

Response
Pray and ask God to guide you. Write down goals for your life. Consider relationship, financial, health and spiritual changes that need to take place in your life. Focus on a couple of your goals. What would fulfillment of those goals look like? Begin working toward your goals with faith and God’s help.

Prayer
Dear God, help me to grasp your will and your plan for my life. Give me the faith and the courage to move forward so I can live a life that makes and difference and has an effect on the lives of others and on this world. Thank you for being with me each step of the way. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.