Setting God-Shaped Goals for 2023
December 27, 2022
Setting God-Shaped Goals for 2023
By Brooke Holt
“It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone” (Ephesians 1:11-12 The Message).
How do you discern God’s plan for you? How do you make decisions about where to live, whom to marry, what job to take, what church to attend, etc.? Getting even more personal, how do you understand yourself, your identity, and your significance? Paul’s letter to the Ephesians answers all these questions beautifully and succinctly: “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for” (Ephesians 1:11). Christ alone knows you inside and out. Not only does he know you, but he cares about you and longs to see you become who he made you to be. The Lord sees you, knows you, and has plans for your life that fit into a much larger picture than you can see or even imagine.
How does that make you feel? Special? Loved? Overwhelmed? In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul continues to expound upon the Lord’s calling and plan: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). Is it starting to make sense -- to sink in -- and to excite you? You are God’s workmanship (ESV), his handiwork (NIV), his masterpiece (NLT). The Lord delights in his creation of you and is eager to guide, teach, and empower you for every good work.
As you prepare to move into a new year, would you like to take some time to discover these plans that God has for you? For many years, I have set aside time at the beginning of January to review the previous year and to ask the Lord to help me make plans for the new year. Some years I have gone away on a personal retreat to do this while other years I have carved out time in the early mornings to be alone and attentive to the Lord. I come with questions, and then I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal his thoughts, his plans, and his heart for me.
This year, I am inviting you to join me on this New Year Adventure. On Tuesday, January 3 at 12:00 PM EST (11:00 AM CST), I will lead an online class via zoom called “Setting God-Shaped Goals for 2023”. There will be reflection questions provided as well as reflection time so that you can truly seek the Lord’s plan for you. If you cannot attend the live class, a recording will be available that you can watch (or revisit at any time) at your convenience.
What has God designed you to do in 2023? How can you uniquely build his kingdom? How does he want to use your gifts, your life experiences, and each of your days in 2023? Let’s seek the answer to these questions together! Join me on January 3 for “Setting God-Shaped Goals!”
For more information visit Ignite.biblestudymedia.com. You can register for this class alone or for a monthly subscription. Explore all of our offerings.
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