Tuesday, January 14, 2025
New Testament Reading Plan: John 7
I’m a Michigan fan. Hold your applause—because this season didn’t exactly match the championship campaign. The joy of watching my team win is fleeting, and I pretend the misery of defeat is the same.
My sports fandom has taught me to keep looking forward to future seasons. In many ways, sports successes and failures bring a certain truth to everyday life. A team victory offers no real value compared to the goals and dreams that truly matter.
I’ve accomplished a few of my goals, including my dream to be a professional writer. However, I only shrug when asked which are my favorite penned pieces. Writing wasn’t enough for me.
It appears Jerry Maguire had it wrong. “Fulfillment in the now” is a false notion. We will never be completely satisfied this side of heaven. I fell victim to the Myth of Arrival—the belief that reaching certain goals leads to long-term happiness.
Our short-term goals don’t always align with God’s plan. Being a writer is nothing compared to being a husband and father. When it comes to writing, it turns out my most valuable pieces are two poems with no monetary value at all—one for each of my daughter’s birthdays. God’s plan is so much better!
Sometimes, we get caught up working for ourselves and forget that God is inviting us to participate in his life-changing adventure.
Joshua 5:13-14
13 When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and demanded, “Are you friend or foe?”
14 “Neither one,” he replied. “I am the commander of the Lord’s army.”
Joshua and the others journeyed for years and found comfort when they reached the land they desired. However, that goal was only part of the journey, not the end. God sent the commander of his army to remind them to continue the adventure. He reminded Joshua that we have to choose to be on God’s side, allowing him to work through us rather than forcing his hand.
When we lose sight of the destination, we can confuse contentment with happiness. We end up like Jerry Maguire, chasing a feeling instead of chasing who God created us to be.
We all know what it’s like to get what we want—it’s euphoria, but that feeling is fleeting, unlike God’s adventure which continues with each new day.
Questions:
Will achieving your long-term goals guarantee your long-term happiness? What changes can you make to continue the adventure?
Next Steps:
Evaluate your goals and make new ones as your season changes. Find ways to challenge yourself spiritually by participating in 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting and by joining a Group that challenges you to leave your comfort zone.
21 Days of Prayer
Day 9—Confidence
Today’s Prayer Focus: To Live Confidently (1 John 4:16-17)
Prayer:
Father in heaven, thank you for loving me. I know I can trust you with all I am. I am confident in the salvation you have given me. Help me to abide in you, to become more like your Son every day. Show me how to live like him, according to your will, and working for your kingdom in all I do. May my love for you and others be perfected through your love for me. In Jesus' name, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Romans 12:2
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
This post was written by Jaron Camp, a Findlay attendee, and a regular contributor to the LivingItOut devotional.