You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.' - James 4:13-15
In today’s devotional, we continue with the nine steps to actualizing your goals in life. So we continue with the fifth step.
5. Identify the barriers. Ask yourself, "Why haven’t I reached my goal already?" What are the barriers, obstacles, and road blocks in your way? Remember, Abraham’s servant had asked; “What if the woman does not want to return with me to this land?" Genesis 24:5). Pick a pen and write down these obstacles one after the other. This is the time to be fair to yourself. Are they financial, relational, educational, please write them down properly.
6. Create an action plan. How do you want to achieve your goal? For instance, Eliezer in his mission to find a wife for Isaac went and sat beside a spring at Nahor. He prayed, "O Lord, God of my master, Abraham, please give me success on this mission. See, I am standing here beside this spring. This is my request. When a young woman comes to draw water, I will say to her, ’Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.’ If she says, ’Yes, have a drink, and I will draw water for your camels, too,’ let her be the one you have selected to be the wife of my master’s son." (Genesis 24:42-44). In the same process, think of possible signs you would prefer to see to prove your goal.
7. Be patient and persistent. Depending on what is involved, you have to be patient and persistent in prayers to witness the realization of your set goals (Ref. Habakkuk 2:3) Eliezer was a great example of patience and persistence. We saw his patience in choosing the right woman by making a detailed plan. He didn’t make a snap judgment. Furthermore, when Eliezer got to Rebecca’s place, he did not eat until He had first, told them the reason he visited them. So also, you have to delay gratification on the path to realizing your goal.
Beloved, how far have you gone with your planned action regarding your goal? From experience, I know you will get distracted at the beginning, but you will definitely overcome through prayers and determination.