What are your goals for the coming year? Any time is a good time to consider where we are going, but the beginning of a new year is a very good time. This year we are in not only a new year but a new decade as well. Several years ago, Brother O’Malley and I were in a conversation about the future. He said that we need to lay out our ten-year plans. I told him that I didn’t have too many ten year plans left, but I would consider some two- to five-year plans.
It has been said that we will not hit any higher than we aim. If we set a goal for the future, we might not hit the bullseye, but we will undoubtedly hit higher than we would otherwise. Is your ministry on cruise control? Does one day follow another without any direction at all? Life will see to it that circumstances will constantly control you, and you will more than likely take the path of least resistance. If we are to win, we must fight.
When we get on the road to another destination, we do not leave our travels to chance. We set the goal then follow the best route to get to that specific spot on the earth. Amazingly, we hit that particular spot every time. Now there are times that we come to a detour because of an accident, a landslide, road construction, or any number of unforeseen interruptions. However, we keep our sights on a specific destination. Plans might change, but our final destination remains the same. We cannot just turn down a road because we feel like it if we intend to fulfill our mission.
Let each of us take the challenge to pray and prepare for the coming year. What would the Lord have us accomplish by year’s end? Set the mark, and by the grace of God, go for it with fervency and vitality. I know with this year being 2020, “vision” is going to be overworked in a big-time way. However, drifting is not a viable alternative to having a vision or setting a goal. When our Lord created Adam, He set a goal. He was determined to go all the way to Calvary. Satan did everything in his power to divert Him from His intended purpose, but our Lord was determined to reach His goal. Aren’t we glad He did not take the easy way and leave us to our own end? There are those in the path of your plans, and perhaps you are the only one who can reach them. Go on purpose.
May our Lord’s richest blessings be yours as you serve Him faithfully.
In His Service,
Danny A. Whetstone
If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. Whetstone here to let him know.