If you can see it and believe it, you can achieve it!

   This is what I begin with when the lessons on Goal Setting are taught.  The question, "What is it that you want to do with your life?" I get lots of serious thoughtful responses, "Nurse, pharmacist, teacher, business owner, a good husband and father...." There are some that are a mix between fantasy and bad taste, "Porn star (I really got that one), Lottery winner, owner of a professional team (sport not important), famous..."
      For those who seem to have a grasp on reality, I ask if they can see themselves working in their job of choice, at their desk, in front of their classroom, in the locker room with their team, or even cooking in their restaurant. Then I ask them to write on a sticky pad that dream and put it where it can be seen at night, just before bed, and first thing in the morning, while brushing their teeth. This is not sympathetic magic. When someone can have this kind of prompting, then that individual can begin to focus on what it will take to move towards his or her goal: sacrifice, discipline, responsibility, integrity, hard work and faith.
      The next phase is to take a sheet of paper and write at the top, "I would like to … (whatever that goal may be). Draw a vertical line down the middle and on one side write the word Obstacles and on the other side write Resources. A young lady one year raised her hand and said, "Do you know what my greatest obstacle is?" I shook my head. "Me! And do you know my greatest resource? Me!" She hit it right on the button! Talk about insight!
      For those whose responses were something like: lottery, famous, you name it, their resource was always the same: Luck. I personally don't believe in luck. My definition of luck is when opportunity and preparation meet. As a theologian, I would call that moment in time by the Greek name, Karios. That is not chronological time. It is God's moment for us! Leslie Weatherhead, a wonderful and insightful churchman said, "There are two great moments in everyone's life, the moment you are born and the moment you find out why." By the way, I believe there are many moments and we are to act with courage and conviction every time.
      God's Word fits so well into the life of every man, woman and child who is ready to walk in the "Way", but His Word is conditional. I lean on Proverbs, "If you receive my words … If you ask for insight … If you seek wisdom like searching for treasure … then you will understand."
      What are the obstacles for the Christian? What are the resources for the Christian? It is truly difficult to say this, but I am my greatest obstacle while trying to live for God. It is just as difficult to say that I am to take responsible action to overcome my instincts to hide from, avoid or put off what must be done.
      "I would like to …" With Almighty God by my side, I can see it, I can believe it and I can achieve it!