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Then the Lord said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. Habakkuk 2:2 NLT
Okay! We're baaaaaccckkk!
What have I been doing the last two years? Well, I finally obtained my CPA license, wrote a book, got a new job, created a new website… and, oh, survived covid! What about you?? Any big news? And milestones passed or goals achieved? What's next for you?? Let me know!
Can I be honest for a second? Sometimes I can be really bad at moving towards my goals. For example, I have said I wanted a six pack for a very long time. Not a fake six pack like what I currently have, where I flex and sometimes something shows up. But a real six pack like J-Lo has. In order to do this, I would really have to tailor my workouts annnddd clean up my eating. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to successfully take time do the appropriate meal planning. There is also a certain level of comfort and contentment that I have with the way I look, meaning I'm not necessarily committed to needing to do something different. So, that goal has mostly been sitting on the shelf. Now, I'll admit, this may seem a little vain, but it’s a simple example of having a goal and taking the necessary steps to achieve it…(or not).
From my purview, there are a couple types of people in the world.
Those who have goals and actively work to achieve them
Those who have goals but do not actively work towards them
Those who do not have goals aside from daily living <----don't be this person
If we are honest, at any moment we can probably toggle between at least 2 of those types (hopefully landing most consistently in number 1). What happens when we get stuck in type 2 or 3 though? That's where I found myself a couple years ago, especially regarding the CPA license. It took me a long time to figure that out. There was no amount of prayer and planning that would help me pass those exams if I didn't study. Just like if your goal is to lose weight: those pounds won't fall off themselves if you don't work out or change your eating habits. Just like if your goal is to start a business: no one is going to start it for you. Just like if your goal is to save up 6 months of expenses: your bank account won't grow if you don't stop spending money.
See where I'm going with this? What goals do you have that are sitting on the shelf, waiting for a little action?
We have to actively participate in the achievement of our goals and overall life purpose. We have to consistently engage in activities that move us a step closer. I believe in the notion of active faith. I believe that God is going to be God and deliver on His promises. I also believe that we have to put ourselves in position to receive what He has for us. While our actions should line up with our goals, we also must release anything that contradicts said goal. To often though, we get stuck in the cycle of incompletion. We end up with a bunch of goals that we have started but never completed. Why is that?
We allow distractions and failure to stagnate us
We allow comfort to set in
We use self care as an excuse to be lazy
We spend too much time planning
We take on more than we can manage
One thing I like about the scripture quoted above is the basic instructions to get started. We see the Lord here answering Habakkuk's prayer with additional guidance for the mission: write it down, be clear and be patient. Even more so, the vision comes directly from the Lord. Why is this important? Because often times we work towards things that are not aligned with God's plan for us. This misalignment and misdirection can definitely prevent us from moving forward and make goals seem unattainable. (Remember Proverbs 19:21)
Once you do determine that your goals align with God's will for your life, then take the time to clearly write down your path to completion, and be patient. One thing I learned about the road to success is that while it may not be easy, if you find the joy in the journey, things will be a bit more tolerable. If you are consistent and proactive in working towards your goals and aspirations, you will get done in no time! (Well, it will take time but you'll redeem that on the back end) 😉
It's time to get those incomplete goals off the shelf, knock off the dust….and FINSH!
Live outside the box. Live in purpose. Live on purpose.
Peace. Blessings. Love.
Lady Z
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