Strike a balance between flexibility and staying firm in God's plans
Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (NLT)
We have already delved into Biblical goal settings through our first two Monday devotionals. Let us still ponder a bit more—it is still January, right?
At the start of each year, it is almost inevitable to find ourselves making plans and setting goals for the months ahead. Over time, we realize that these personal goals are not as easily achieved as we would like them to be. Often, we encounter unexpected obstacles and insurmountable challenges, and we can get the feeling that, somehow, our objectives slip through our fingers.
Thus, our goals should not be set in stone. They should still be more than just mere words in the wind. So, it is necessary to find a balance between flexibility, so we can deal with life's surprises, and firmness, so we can remain faithful to what we aim to accomplish.
Proverbs 16:3 (CSB) can serve as a good guide in this: "Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be established." The passage reminds us that it is crucial to align our goals with God's plans. By surrendering our plans to him, we are acknowledging his sovereignty over our lives and seeking his wisdom to guide our steps. He knows the desires of our hearts (Rom 8:27), and his plans are better for us than we can imagine (Eph 3:20). When we have established goals under his guidance and in alignment with his will, we must work on them with perseverance and patience, trusting that he can provide all that we need.
It is crucial to remember that, while goals are important, they should not become idols in our lives. In James 4:13-15 (CSB), we are reminded of life's uncertainty and the importance of recognizing God's will: "Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit. Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring — what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes. Instead, you should say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’"
It is always good to seek the Lord as we plan. Goals aligned with divine purposes may have eternal significance which transcend the temporary achievements we often strive for.
Challenge
Revisit the goals you have set for this year, or make goals if you have not done so already. Seek God’s guidance. Then, ask yourself if your goals are in line with his will and purpose. If not, re-write your goals so they become aligned with what you believe God wants you to do this year.
Prayer
Lord, I present my plans and goals before you. I acknowledge that your wisdom surpasses mine, so I pray for your guidance in everything. Help me to work on what you ask me to do with perseverance and patience, and to have a good balance between flexibility and firmness. May what I achieve this year be an expression of Your love and purpose in my life.
Paulo Ribeiro