(The following is the August 27 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Ephesians 3 and pay close attention to verses 14-21.)
What self-expectations have you had at different life stages? Perhaps as a child, you imagined becoming a teacher, doctor, entertainer, or president. Advancing to top leadership or business ownership may have been early career goals. Did you long for a fairy tale romance and perfect family life? Have you hoped for early retirement and traveling the world with all the financial resources necessary?
What about faith-related hopes and dreams? Did you expect all your troubles to disappear when you became a Christian? Have you envisioned growing in your relationship with Christ, knowledge of his Word, and service for him, only to fall short?
Some dreams are achievable, and some aren’t. Some are within God’s will, while others fall short or oppose it. For example, we won’t all grow up to be rich and famous (nor should that be our heart’s desire). We don’t all have the physical stature and talent to excel at professional sports. Does this mean we shouldn’t have high expectations? No. But the Christian’s reason for aiming high is not to glorify ourselves but God. Our Father can do anything he desires to accomplish his purposes, so if we align our wills with his, we can dream big and act in faith that God can do what we cannot.
Paul wrote, “Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us – to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.” (vv. 20-21). We serve an all-powerful God. May we pursue bold, biblical, godly pursuits that we can only achieve through his strength and wisdom.
Next Step:
What faith-related goals do you have for growth and service? Are they soundly biblical? Do they take into account God’s infinite power? Pray for faith and wisdom to pursue bold, godly goals for his glory.