Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Day 21 - Assessing Goals

Here we are at the end of our 21 Day Reformation Challenge. Time for assessment. I found an interesting quote: Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments. (Jim Rohn)

It is easy to make a goal - it can be anything - but is it something that can be accomplished in the time frame given? Is it realistic? When we shoot too high or cut our time too short, we become discouraged when we don't achieve the desired result. Some things can be changed in 21 days, others take longer, many take a lifetime.

It takes discipline to be consistant in any activity. Self-discipline is good - allowing God to change us is better - it will last longer. Anyone can change a behaviour or pattern for a limited time period. Lasting change takes a deeper, inner change. God looks on our hearts and works there. He wants more than just an outward change. He is working for eternal changes.

Our challenge has revealed more than we knew it would. If it didn't, it only touched the surface - what can already be seen. God reveals what's really underneath - then we can make real changes as we allow Him to reform us in that area.

There were unforseen obstacles. No one can totally predict what even one day will bring, let alone 21 days in a row. Another interesting quote: If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere. (Frank A. Clark) Easy goals don't take a lot to accomplish them. Harder goals go deeper and require more from us, but the rewards are more valuable.

I think it is no accident that the end of our 21 days also marks the beginning of a new season. God loves doing that. When you see something coming to a close, He always opens another door. This is simply the end of this chapter, not the end of the book. Our victories today may be measured by physical goals, but spiritually, God continues His work in our hearts. Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6) He is not finished with any of us yet.

Rejoice in the victories for today. Guard the treasures God gave you along the way and remember the lessons from these 21 days (your own personal ones as well as the ones that were shared by others). Tomorrow begins the next chapter. Are you ready for the next adventure? He is waiting to reveal it.

Selah Y

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

So well written Cheryl. You expressed in a very deep way, what is on my heart.

I am grateful for His gift in you.

Tamatha said...

Cheryl,
Am I ready for it? I think I am. Nervous but ready!lol I love to watch Anne Of Green Gables every now and then. "Today is a new day without any mistakes in it yet" I believe that is the exact wording...but if not it's pretty close. That is one of my favourite lines!:o)

Shari said...

I loved it all but especially your first quote. Keep on writing. You have incredible depth and wisdom that seems to flow with your written words.

Love ya