Goal-Oriented

Achieving maximum results toward the area where my effort is directed.

Devotional Thought

Read Nehemiah 2:11-20; 4:9-23; 6:15-16.

Nehemiah was in grief for his exiled country and the destruction that had occurred in Jerusalem. He fasted and prayed, confessing Israel's sin to the Lord. God heard Nehemiah's prayer and appointed him to lead the efforts to rebuild the city walls. It was a daunting task, but Nehemiah had a plan. He and the people overcame numerous obstacles and in fifty-two days they completed the walls. When the surrounding countries and enemies heard about the completion of the rebuilding effort, they were stunned. Certainly God had been in the midst of this lofty goal.

The most important thing about goals is having one. The purpose of goals is to focus our attention on them. Our minds will not reach toward achievement until clear objectives are identified. The magic begins when we set goals. It is then that the switch is turned on, the current begins to flow and the power to accomplish becomes a reality.

For many people, goals are established on January 1. Yet these new year's resolutions are often forgotten and obsolete by February 1. The best goals are those that are written down and reviewed regularly. Written goals confirm and formalize the process. By keeping them before you daily, you can stay current in evaluating your progress.

Allow God to be a part of your goal setting time. Trust Him for big things and the ability to stay focused. Commit yourself to establishing written goals and then believe God for the answers. When you seek God's plan first, all of your other plans will have a way of falling into place. Why not look to Him today for His answers-both for the innovative ideas you need and for the precise timing in which to implement them? Believe that God will either remove any obstacles in your path, guide you around it, or take you over it. Be assured that God will get you there-simply trust in Him.