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“A Fixed and Certain Goal”

Thoughts for Today:

In his book titled, "Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament," Fritz Rienecker translated our passage today: "I do not run as one who has no fixed and certain goal." Paul was a great example of someone who was keenly focused in his life -- much more than any professional athlete or business person who is only concerned with earthly, mortal and corruptible success. Paul knew that God had a purpose for his life. As a result, he had clearly defined goals which he was single-mindedly pursuing to completion.

The rallying cry of everyone involved in ministry should be the same as Paul's: "I will serve as one who has a fixed and certain goal." However, some people continue to resist the concept of goal setting and accountability in ministry. They think it puts too much of our own humanity and self-imposed limitations in the way of doing the Lord's will. Yet, every single successful Biblical undertaking began with a God-directed goal. For example:

Moses: [The Lord directed] "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." (Exodus 3:10).

Samuel: "The LORD said to Samuel, 'How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.'" (1 Samuel 16:1)

Nehemiah: [Remembering the Lord's instructions to Moses] "If you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name."

Each of these men followed through with specific steps to achieve the goal that God had presented. They did not wander aimlessly around in ministry. They stayed focused on what God wanted them to do. Each organized their time and energy, while developing the resources necessary to fulfill God's purpose. When God is in control, and we place our focus and effort toward His target, the Lord's goals are achieved.

Questions to Ponder:

Are you struggling in ministry? Do you feel as if you are really busy with lots of activity, but the results are not that great? Take a step back, quiet yourself, study your Bible, and prayerfully ask for the Lord's leadership. Submit to His will, His agenda, and His goals. Bring His direction completely into focus before you do anything. The Lord is the source of all productivity and abundance in ministry. If your ministry is floundering it is because the Lord is not in control.

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.