How a clear plan can transform your life

If there is one gift I would like to give you today as your pastor is the gift of vision. To see clearly exactly those things which God wants to do in your life and visualise a lifetime objective and goal. Paul was a man of tremendous vision. Successful people have a vision; they know what they want, focus on it and go for it.

"It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, son that I would not be building on someone else's foundation" (Romans 15:20). It is not wrong to have ambition; it is what you put in it. Paul's ambition was to preach the Gospel where no one else had preached. And at the end of his life, he confidently said, "I was not disobedient to the vision from God."

A life objective is a clearly defined purpose for living. It is the reason for life or existence - why you are here, fit in, breathe and take up space.

What does a life objective do for you?

First, it reduces frustration. When you know why you exist makes it easy to make decisions. Life is complex and full of choices to be made. "The life of a man of divided loyalty will reveal instability at every turn" (James 1:8).

Second, it increases motivation. When you have a clearly defined purpose in life and know what you want; then you have a reason to wake up in the morning and go for it. Many people are emotionally deflated - they are just dragging through life or their daily routine bored and frustrated. "Where there is no vision the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18). "I press toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me" (Philippians 3:14).

Third, it allows concentration. Success is the result of focusing on one thing and doing it well. Many people dabble and flit from project to project. "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are ahead" (Philippians 3:13). A beam of light defused is harmless but when it is focused it becomes a laser that burns.

Fourth, it attracts cooperation. When you decide exactly where you want to go in life; you will attract people who want to support and help you achieve your goal. The Philippians shared Paul's vision. "You have helped me in the work of the Gospel from the first day until now" (Philippians 1:15). "If your goals are good, you will be respected" (Proverbs 11:27).

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How do you determine your life objective? There is a prerequisite before taking three steps how to determine your purpose. You must set time alone to seek the Lord for instructions. One of the reasons why many people do not know their purpose is that they do not take the time to consider it. They are too busy and in hurry to stop, set goals, plan, seek and listen to God.

The first step is to identify your gifts and talents. God has given each one of us different gifts and abilities in life, and fulfilment comes only when we use them for his work. "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, prophesy; ministry, minister; those who teach, in teaching; those who exhort, in exhortation; those who give, in liberality; those who lead, in diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness" (Romans 12:6-8).

The second is to review your past experiences. "And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). All of us have gone through good and bad experiences. God will integrate these experiences into your life purpose as a message to the world - he never wastes any circumstance! "God helps us in our troubles so that we can help others who are in trouble; using the same help we have received from him" (2 Corinthians 1:4).

Third, you must decide what is really important. Some things are not wrong; they are just not necessary. "I may do anything but everything is not useful. Yes, I may do anything but everything is not constructive. No one has time to do everything. Selection is the name of the game. Learn to eliminate things that will not matter in future. American Philosopher William James says, "The best use of your time is in that which outlasts it."

The Bible says that the two things that will last forever are God's Word and people. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away" (Matthew 24:35). People are going to last forever in one of two places - heaven or hell.

Where you spend your time now may determine where somebody else spends their eternity. Regardless of the style of your life objective, the career you choose, where you live or the specifics of your goal; if it is from God, it will involve his Word and people.

I advise you to put this into practice: put or write down your objectives or goals. American Evangelist Dawson Trotman says, "Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and fingertips." Review them often until they are engraved in the pattern of your life. Ask yourself, "What would I attempt for the glory of God if I knew for certain I could not fail?"

Bishop David Muriithi- Founder & Overseer House of Grace International Ministries