Goal Setting and God

[rs6]

Hi,

I was struggling with what is God’s will for me…and am I in the right career? I kind of let go of that one and decided His will was just to provide for my family. I am my own worst antogonist and I am looking for a good life philiosphy to let go of some of this mess and get on with it. So, here is my somewhat related question. I would like to set goals…life is struggle and things do not always go my way. I am fine with this. However, books like “As a man thinketh” seem to exclude God from the life plan. Life’s achievements are all a manifestation of the self determinate will / thought thus making a God of oneself. I would like God’s help however I do not want to put him to the test. I pray daily but if He should not immediately show up and resolve the issue the conundrum for me is where does God end and where do I begin? Also, when something good happens and I thank Him where was He when something bad happens? I can set up goals have set backs expect nothing from God but salvation but this excludes Him from certain aspects of my life and compartmentalizes Him to just a God of salvation and so why ask Him for things material help etc?

 

[Convert3]

Welcome to the forum!
Have you spoken to your priest about all this? God does give us free will to make our own decisions, and setting goals is not a problem. I had set many goals in my life. Few of them were ever met, because I was flexible to opportunities that arise and doors that were closed. I’m a relatively new Catholic, but was Protestant all my life before that. I did always trust in God and prayed for guidance. Bad things happen and I’ve had my share. Don’t blame God for them, but look forward for new direction instead. Trust in Jesus. The goals I’ve met are: peace in my life, happily married, financially secure, and able to help others. I attained these goals despite six career changes, a divorce in my early thirties, and several health challenges. God Bless.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

I would like God’s help however I do not want to put him to the test. I pray daily but if He should not immediately show up and resolve the issue the conundrum for me is where does God end and where do I begin?

If you strive every day to stay in touch with God through prayer and openness to the Holy Spirit, then if God wants you to do something different he will let you know. And you won’t have to ask how will you know that he let you know. God is very direct. Just trust him.

If you have a family then right now the priority is to support them and love your spouse/ kids and whoever is in your family. That is your number one priority.

 

[rs6]

Thanks, I was trying define this relationship with God and maybe that is part of the problem. I can push through setbacks and want a deeper relationship but then there is my conundrum of dependency vs self advocacy.

 

[Convert3]

You’ll be fine if you trust in God. As @Tis_Bearself said, take care of your family. Part of that is growing in the Faith as a family. The Holy Spirit will guide you if you allow.