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Now that we’re three weeks in I think it’s safe to say we’re getting into the groove of things at least trying to. And I’m sure by now you’ve thought about your goals for the year; some of you have even written out your goals already, but I want to challenge you and ask the question; have you planned with God in mind?
Let's be honest sometimes, the excitement of the year and the reflection can leave us eager to just get better and set more life-affirming and changing goals. But, in that, we can tend to forget or lightly look to God. I think it's important to acknowledge God before we start planning, while we’re planning, and after. Now, if you’re already doing this, thats wonderful, I’m sure God is pleased because this is what He asks of us. For us to seek Him first and follow His instructions, but if we don’t seek Him in prayer, how can we get instruction.
For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Consider this, your mom has been cooking your favorite dish all your life and now you’ve set a goal to master it like hers yourself. But, you never go to her and get instructions. Not even a phone call for a little bit of guidance, and your favorite dish comes out as the worse dish ever (granted, I know some of you may have the grace to cook and can nail it but let's be real it ain’t your momma's dish). Suddenly, you find yourself questioning your capabilities and asking where’d you go wrong. This is what happens to children of God when we set all these goals and don’t even get
direction from the one who created the story of our lives.
This is wild when I think about it, and I can count the number of times I’ve done this in my past. It doesn’t make sense, God created the meal of our lives and we don’t even bother asking him how to prepare it. We don’t ask for the ingredients, we don’t ask for the pot size, we don’t ask for the cooking time, we don’t ask for the heat level. So, what are we really doing? Are we living for him, or for ourselves alone?
We want God to do all of these wonderful things in our lives, and we want His word to manifest for us. Still, we forget that the only way to receive this in all of its glory truly is by seeking His will and calling on Him in the beginning, middle, and end of a thing. Because trust, sometimes you can receive a half blessing thinking it's the full thing [this is called the mercy of God]. Still, it's not — i.e., Esau selling his birthright and only getting to live to half of his potential. He didn’t lose his life, but he didn’t get to live the life he was destined to because he didn’t stop, think, and pray before he made a decision that only served him at the moment—all for a pot of lentils.
So, why do I say all of this? It reminds you that while all your goal setting is great and the right thing to do because we serve a God of strategy, and as His children, we too should be strategic. But, here's the thing we need to be strategic with reverence to Him as our Father, Counselor, Creator, and so much more. It's the best way to ensure we don’t make plans outside His will.
We might not get everything right those first few times. We might under or overestimate timelines but God will still honor us for acknowledging Him. Respecting the path He's put us on, and obeying his instructions. So, as you look towards having your best year, remember that God wants to be involved, He wants you to look to Him and He wants you to just trust Him.
Make it a year that you're seeking more of Him in every sense. More of His word. More prayer. More worship. More inclusion at work, in your relationships, school work, and business. Whatever you have going on, bring Him in more, and you'll be surprised what He'll do and how he'll guide you.
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Be reminded of Him as you plan with motivational wall art from our Created by God Collection.