Life is tough enough as it is. But it's even tougher when we're headed in the wrong direction.
One of Jesus' incredible abilities was to stay on target. His life never got off track. Not once do we find him walking down the wrong side of the fairway. Jesus did what many of us fail to do - he kept his life on course. The heart of Christ was relentless focused on one task - the cross of Calvary - and he completed it. Wouldn't you love to be able to say the same? Wouldn't you love to look back on your life and know you had done what you were called to do?
Our lives tend to be so scattered. We are intrigued by one trend only until the next comes along. Lives with no strategy, no goal, no defining priority. We are easily distracted by the small things and forget the big things.
God wants us to be just like Jesus and have focused hearts.
By answering four simple questions, we can be more like Jesus; we can stay on course with our lives.
1. Am I fitting into God's Plan?
God's plan is to save his children. If God's goal is the salvation of the world, then my goal should be the same. The details will differ from person to person, but the big picture is identical for all of us. Regardless of what you don't know about your future, one thing is certain: you are intended to contribute to the good plan of God, to tell others about the God who loves them and longs to bring them home.
But how exactly are you to contribute? What is your specific assignment?
2. What are my Longings?
Your heart is crucial.
"Enjoy serving the Lord, and he will give you what you want." - Psalm 37:4
When we submit to God's plans, we can trust our desires. Our assignment is found at the intersection of God's plan and our pleasures.
What do you love to do? What brings you joy? What gives you a sense of satisfaction? Each of us has been made to serve God in a unique way.
You are a custom design; you are tailor-made. Regardless of the circumstances that surrounded your arrival, you are not an accident. God planned you before you were born. The longings of your heart, then, are not incidental; they are critical messages. The desires of your heart are not to be ignored; they are to be consulted. God is too gracious to ask you to do something you hate.
Be careful, however. Don't consider your desires without considering your skills.
3. What are my Abilities?
There are some things we want to do but simply aren't equipped to accomplish. Be aware of your strengths. Failing to focus on our strengths may prevent us from accomplishing the unique tasks God has called us to do.
We cannot meet every need in the world. We cannot please every person in the world. We cannot satisfy every request in the world. But some of us try. And in the end, we run out of fuel. Have a good estimate of your abilities and stick to them.
4. Am I serving God Now?
Want to bring focus to your life? Do what Jesus did. Go home, love your family, and take care of business. Your first mission field is under your roof. What makes you think they'll believe you overseas if they don't believe you across the street?
"But I'm ready to do great things for God." Good, do them at work. Be a good employee. Don't complain or grumble, but work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people.
Pretty simple P.L.A.N.
You may find that you're heading in the wrong direction in life right now, but God allows us to start fresh at any point in life. God will give you a fresh score-card. Regardless of what has controlled you in the past, it's never too late to get your life on course and be a part of God's plan.
"From now on, then, you must live the rest of your earthly lives controlled by God's will and not by human desires." - 1 Peter 4:2
'Just like Jesus' - Max Lucado
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