May 7 - Goals, mine or God's

Philippians 3:14-21

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (verse 14)

Years ago, when I was in my church choir, we were practicing for weeks for a special music Sunday. The theme was running the race set before us and there were a few songs that touched me in a new way. I was fairly young in practicing my faith and the scriptures these songs were based on opened my eyes in ways I never considered. I knew going through this time that something was changing in me, my heart. But, it wasn't until years later when I would stumble upon some of these verses, and I began to realize their meaning, and especially their meaning for me.

Verse 14 above touches me still. Just when I think I have it all figured out, that I am sure God has me where he wants me, and the goal is within reach, something changes. I recently retired and was certain that the remainder of my days would be spent creating - writing a novel. I love to journal and compose these devotions, but writing a book has been my life long goal. And I was sure it was God's plan as well.

During this time of isolation and forced contemplation, I find writing in my journal to be the place I process what is going on. I share with Jesus my true feelings, right or wrong, and then ask for His Word to direct me. And He never fails.

Writing a book is now the furthest thing from my list of lifetime goals. I have lost complete interest and desire for this. I feel God has a new goal for me, but He hasn't shared it yet.l I am confident that He will and am just as confident that it will be a huge surprise to me. So much so that I will say, "What? I can't do that," and He will respond, "No, but I can."