Goal Setting and God's Plan for You

[Madaglan]

Growing up, I remember hearing that you could be anything you wanted to be. In America, one may start out low in the socio-economic ladder but, through hard work, end up in the job or occupation one sets out to do. Want to be an astronaut? Write down that goal and work towards it every day of your life, and it will happen. About two weeks ago, this learning I received growing up was reinforced by a speaker at the school at which I teach. He informed the student body (and incidentally the teachers present as well) that people who write down their goals make an average of 10 times more money than everyone else who does not put together.

My question: is setting down life goals at odds with the idea of vocation? I’ve heard that if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. Is not setting down goals a form of planning?
Your insights are much appreciated.

 

[Trishie]

Dear Friend
Sometimes the goals that come into one’s mind give insight into what one’s vocation may be. One’s goals may not be fulfilled in exactly the way planned, hence the God sense of humour remark; but they are indications of who one is and what one may trust God to help one achieve. If one has goals one may more easily recognise the opportunities when they arise.
Goals and vocation aren’t mutually exclusive…

Bless you, Trishie

 

[chicago]

Being led by natural desires or having distinct goals to work towards are certainly positive goods and not in conflict with following one’s vocation.

But one must not think, foolishly, that you are entirely in charge, rather than God’s Providence.

Also, from a certain kind of Calvinistic standpoint, there is a tendency in America to view achievement and success as a sort of end in itself; an affirmation in this world of being blessed and chosen by God as a faithful servant. So we have our Protestant Work Ethic to prove ourselves worthy in the eyes of neighbor. “I’m not like THAT outcast sinner over there!” we subconsciously think to ourselves as justification. But, perhaps, the poor soul who is down and out and trusting in the Lord with all his heart is actually doing a better job at following God’s Will. The point is not to take security in the things of this world or our own haughty efforts, alone. The Lord can strike that down in a moment, and all will ultimately be tested by refiners fire, anyway.

There is the saying, “God helps those who help themselves.” I think it is errant. Things are the opposite way around in the Father’s eyes. The Lord has mercy on the helpless. He rules the world with justice, and offers equity with the sun shining on everyone unconditionally. But that doesn’t mean that we are to be lackluster, either. Instead, I like to say, “Give God your heart, then do your part.” Or as another well put turn on it goes, “Pray as if everything depends upon God and work as if it all depends upon you.” Good advice, indeed!

 

[THutch04]

I don’t feel that having goals and desires are necessarily opposed to finding a true vocation. But at some point I think you have to let God have the control in your life. After all, what will happen once you’ve reached your goals which you have set? Will you be truly happy, or will you only be searching for something better? Until you let God direct you to how you should use your talents and fortunes, it will be difficult to truly be able to do as He asks.