Last week news commentators talked of having goals for 2026. They were hesitant about having or revealing any big plans. The fear of big intentions fading in just a few days loomed.
I believe the wisdom of, “Start small.” has merit. Even eating teaches that small bites get us through today, into tomorrow. Success starts with one step, and one day at a time.
Two questions help me to move forward:
1. “WHERE AM I GOING”
- I am going to survive.
- I am going to live comfortably.
- I am going to enjoy relationships.
- I am going to contribute to my community.
2. “WHAT AM I TO DO?”
- I will eat, rest, exercise, or do a doctor appointment today.
- I will work, have family time, and ‘me-time’ regularly.
- I will make choices to guard life-balance so as not to ‘run on empty’.
My PURPOSES are fulfilled as I execute step by step, bite-size PLANS. This is harder for some, and it’s harder on some days. I do not mean to over-simplify this.
Boundaries are important to me – “If I don’t manage my life, someone else will manage it for me. And I don’t plan on letting that happen.” I am very adaptable, yet to not manage well drains me; I have nothing left to give.
Now let’s think about God. The same two questions apply:
1. “WHERE AM I GOING”
Solomon wrote, “He [God] has set ETERNITY in the hearts of man.” Each of us has an innate awareness and longing for something beyond temporary, earthly life.
We purpose to live, and an inner sense tells us there’s more to life. That’s why we strive for health, peace and justice; we yearn for safety and happiness. When overwhelmed by life, we think of the after-life.
Some conclude, “Anything’s better than this.” Being tired of living can take us to ‘dark’ places and choices. Positively, Heaven looks real good compared to this.
We have an understanding of an ‘eternal-somewhere’. If we habitually hit ‘delete’ when God tries to speak to us, we do not value being with Him. The Bible says Hell is the only other option ; we glibly speak of “down there.”
2. “WHAT AM I TO DO?”
Jesus spoke clearly about entering Heaven. When asked, “Lord…how can we know the way?”, He replied, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
God’s favour is not earned through religious practices, or placing confidence in our church ‘name-tag’. Entering a relationship with Jesus involves acknowledging Him as Lord, asking Him to forgive our sins, and asking Him for the gift of eternal life.
I trust Him (faith) as MY Saviour – “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we MUST be saved.” (Acts 4:12) He wants us to be with Him.
“Are you with me?”
Pastor Bill Terris