Set a goal to move forward with purpose. We cannot go back in time, we are simply always in the present, but we
can plan for the future prayerfully as God directs. If the past has good that we miss, let's honor that good in this present moment and have gratitude. If there are things we regret, let's wring out the lessons and wash clean in this present moment. Let's consent to go forward as divine Love directs. "Wash you, make you clean," says the prophet Isaiah.
When the Spirit leads you in setting a goal, you will be successful in reaching it, and energized, benefited, and blessed in the process.
What is a "goal?' The earliest use of the word according to
Arcade Dictionary of Word Origins, occurred in the first part of the 1500's. It indicated the "finishing line of a race" as well as the "posts through which the ball is sent in football."
Paul writes, "... let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ..." (Romans 12:1). A goal is specific and measurable. It needs to be clearly defined. It needs to be time-specific -- a projected end date. We must think deeply about values when setting a goal, but most important, we must pray -- ask and listen.
A Spirit-led goal will include elements of unselfishness, philanthropy, and nurturing, and it will include elements that make you stretch, that force spiritual development, that exercise spiritual gifts that you may not realize you even have. It is important to have a goal in order to move forward with stability and purpose, and it must be one that is "win-win" and not injurious to anyone.
We are each given "talents" by our Creator, and often our special talent or gift produces a kind of good excitement within us. We are passionate about it. What is your passion? What could you happily spend hours and hours doing, reading about, practicing, studying or improving upon? How might you develop this to be of most benefit to others? It will surely turn back to bless you a hundredfold.
Take some time with these questions. Begin with prayer. Ask divine Love to lead your thought and make you discern His angel messages. Ask for increased spiritual intuition. You may have more than one passion -- let Spirit point out that which is in accord with His will for your life. Begin working in that direction. You will fly on the wings of divine Love when you move in accord with Him plan, and it is a joy.
If you do not yet have some kind of personal Journal, please get one right away. Dedicate a page to the above questions. Write them down. Then freely write all that comes to you in response. Let is rest for a day. Then go back prayerfully and read what you have written. Cross out and/or highlight; edit, add or delete. At this point you may realize at least one goal, even a small one that will lead you in a productive direction. Write it in large beautiful writing. If you don't have it yet, take another day and repeat the above steps. Stay close with the prayerful petitions listed as springboards to your heart-to-heart conversation with God. Talk to God, and then remember to listen! Angel messages and intuitions will come to your consciousness clearly.
A goal may be small and short-term. It may be a "baby-step." That's all right. Do that. A goal may be pretty big and take some time. Think out the steps. What will it take to reach that goal? Step by step divine Intelligence will direct you and keep you safe. If you have a big goal, work it through in your Journal on another page. It is similar to planning a long trip. You know the destination and then plan stops along the way. What will it take to reach your goal? List the unselfish and beneficial things that will occur when you accomplish your purpose in accord with Love's will.
If you go on a drive, you must know the destination, otherwise you will wander aimlessly, be confused, and be stressed or scared. Since we continuously move forward through eternity, we need to be aware of our destination, set goals to accomplish, and thus progress in accord with the Father's plan. This is the way that is secure. The I AM is always present with you, and innumerable angels surround and care for you, crowning your right actions with success. When divine Love gives you the goal, it enables its accomplishment.
Moving from one place to another brings change. It's okay. Change is inevitable, but we can embrace it as a discovery of more of the infinitude of the All-in-all, the Eternal One. Turn the stress over to the Father and take His gentleness to your heart instead. Lay your burden at His feet. You are held in His hand safe. He carries you forward. You are blessed and others benefited and helped as well. Redirect mourning into a brighter morning each day.
In Zephaniah we are assured, "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing" (3:17).
