Long-sighted Goals!

It's a new year and often times we make new year's resolutions, but they are usually only short-sighted goals.  As we get older, we need to focus on more long-sighted goals, not just temporary quick fixes. The Lord says, “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith." (Habakkuk 2:2-3)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1) Even though long-sighted goals come at their appointed time, and though it tarries, because of our faith in Christ Jesus, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and our living our lives obedient to the Word of God, let us ...ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. (James 1:6-7)

God does not promise that our lives will be “perfect” and without trouble.  As a matter of a fact He promised us there would be trouble and trials. (John 16:33)  But He also made the following promise, that lets us know everything we go through is for a greater purpose, that in due time will be revealed: …And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

And when the difficult times come, we don't have to like it or agree with it or even understand it, but we do have to accept it as God's will, learn from it and move on. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9) Let's have this attitude and conviction as we go forward into the new year and beyond, ...but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)