Plans, Dreams, and Goals … Oh My!

We think about plans, dreams, and goals around this time —when we’re moving into a new year. We might even have a vision for something coming.I get super pumped when I read in the Bible, “The Lord will accomplish what concerns me” (Psalm 138:8). I’m encouraged and enthusiastically say, “Okay, let’s do this!” But then I wonder if my take-away of ‘what concerns me’ is the same as God’s. I ponder if I’m focused on the same vision.

God is mysterious and we can’t always know what He’s doing.  Sometimes, it’s baby steps— a month, a year, or a decade at a time—to connect the dots. This shouldn’t, however, diminish the power in His words. When He said He will accomplish His plan, then we can expect Him to.

So, for our first step, let’s ask God to give us the vision and the desire that He has for us.
No matter  our age or our season of life, God wants to reveal His plan so we can follow in it. Why? Because His plans are good. And He loves us!

Isaiah 46:10 says, “My purpose will be established and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.”

‘Established’ is defined as “bringing into existence.” Accomplish is similar in meaning: “to bring to completion.” Established and accomplished are used in the context of God’s care FOR YOUR LIFE. How does that make you feel?

God uses our unique talents, abilities, and desires—those burning passions to do His will.
He uses hardships—yes, hardships—to accomplish what is good.
He works through circumstances and events.
He brings people into our lives to help shape, motivate, and accomplish His plan.

Step two? Pray. Talk to God and listen for His voice—which can be a gentle impression in your heart and mind. And read the Bible consistently. Makes notes about what you are learning—this is another way God reveals His plan.
Another good step is to spend time with others who are growing in Christ. Together, we learn from, pray, and support each other.

Then, in due time, we’ll be more familiar with God’s ways. Experiences will teach us to have a deeper trust. The closer we become to God, the more our desires and visions will align with His.

Let’s make God a part of every decision. Proverbs 3:6 tells us, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” In other words, He’ll show us the way to go.

We can do what we believe God has called us to do, and then we leave the results to Him. We can be confident that God will execute His plans when we allow Him to do so.

Copyrighted@ DebbiePresnell.com