by Kevin Shorter
February 13, 2010
Image courtesy of Despair, Inc.
We all have goals for our life even if we cannot fully articulate what they are. Generally these goals are whatever we define for success. They are how we determine whether we are successful. Do you need a lot of money, plenty of friends, a few diplomas on the wall? These goals play out in what we pray. For most people this is happy, comfortable lives.
As Christians our ulitmate goal should be to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. God has created your us for a specific plan in His kingdom, so we need to pray for things that will lead to success in whatever God's role for us is. And following God will not necessarily lead to happy, comfortable lives. Look at Abraham leaving everything he ever knew to wander to a land that will be his inheritance some day. Also look at Abraham taking his only son up the mountain to sacrifice. Look at Paul going from town to town constantly getting beaten, shipwrecked, or imprisoned.
"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them."
Hebrews 11:13-16
Goals are important. These people just had different goals than the world. Think through the things you are praying for and ask God if they are what He wants for you. There is nothing wrong with money, a good job, and a healthy family. But, are those your ultimate desire or are they just an means to a greater goal. Only God really knows those answers. Ask Him and allow Him to point you to what specifically He has made you for. The goal He has for you is exponentially better than anything you could ever have dreamed for yourself. And the rewards are such that nothing in this world can ever steal from you.
