“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…” Heb. 12:1-2a (NIV)
Have you heard the joke about how to eat an elephant? In some ways that fits very nicely with the lessons I’ve learned about goals. Understanding goal-setting has equipped me with the tools I need to achieve the purpose God has for me. By breaking down my goals into smaller, achievable bites I am able to move little by little, on purpose toward my dream. Yes, the task is bigger than me, but if it weren’t, I wouldn’t understand my need for Jesus. As long as my eyes stay fixed, focus, set like stone on Jesus I will have the spiritual stamina I need to persevere.
Eating an elephant one bite at a time is similar to running a race on step at a time. We accomplish both through perseverance and focus. I can’t expect to finish if I haven’t prepared to start. I prepare to start by setting appropriate expectations that line up with the purpose God has placed in my heart. I can’t expect a smooth path every step of the way. I can expect that the path will be ever-changing. I will face a smooth path one day that turns muddy the next. There will be stumbling blocks, ruts, speed bumps, rain and ice, but with focus and perseverance I can accomplish all that rests in God’s will for me to accomplish. You see, He marked the race before me. I shouldn’t forget that it’s Him at every turn. I can’t complain (even though I’ve been known to) about the pitfalls and the mud on the journey. Again, He marked the race before me. My task is to move with purpose, on purpose toward the goal line, ever focusing on Him.
“Trust and obey, for there is no other way”. Prov. 3:5-6 speaks so deeply within my soul! God has placed me on such an amazing journey, and, as I strive to know Him more, He constantly reminds me that HE is in control, not me. There is a lesson to be learned with each stumbling block, speed bump, rut, etc….to keep my eyes focused on Him. As you said, He has marked the path and how I look forward to every twist and turn on that path!
Thank you Carla! I love your reminder that God has marked this race out for us even though there will be stumbling blocks, ruts, bumps, rain, mud and ice along the way! Great perspective!
Thank you, Marilyn. I love how God has a way of keeping the journey interesting.
Carla thanks for sharing what you said here”There will be stumbling blocks, ruts, speed bumps, rain and ice, but with focus and perseverance I can accomplish all that rests in God’s will for me to accomplish.” Many times we rush about and God what’s us to remember He has it. Thanks for the reminder to focus on Him and let Him direct our path .
Marilyn