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Pressing Toward the Goal

The Apostle Paul wrote, "One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things."¹

According to Peter Wagner, "Goal setting is a risk. One of the most comfortable things in the world is to have no goals, because then there can be no failure. It is equally comfortable to define your goals in terms of what you happen to be doing at any given time. If you shoot first, then draw the target around the bullet hole, you'll never miss the bull's eye. If someone looks later, he might even call you a good marksman." Some people have developed this technique very well. Their goals are set more by their own inclinations than by carefully formulated biblical priorities.

Having a clearly defined goal is the first step towards the success of anything. However, according to motivational specialists only three percent of people have a major goal for their life. Without this we are like a rudderless ship. Instead of our setting the direction of our life, we let the winds and tides of the times take us where they will. As someone has said facetiously, "Blessed be he who aims at nothing for he shall surely hit it!"

As with the Apostle Paul, God has a specific goal for each one of us. It is our responsibility to discover what that goal is and work towards achieving it. And as Paul said, "All of us who are mature should take such a view of things."

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for the specific purpose and goal you have for my life. Please help me to discover what that is and give me the desire, courage, and direction to help me work towards fulfilling that goal. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen.

1. Philippians 3:13-15 (NIV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.