Aiming High: Embracing God’s Big Plans and the Urgency of Time

I wanted to share with you my thinking behind the Men’s Retreat and its size. Here are the points that have motivated me to move in this direction.

1. Grasping the Immensity of Our God: Imagine serving a God whose greatness surpasses our wildest imaginations. Shouldn’t our dreams and aspirations reflect this grandeur? Our Creator spoke galaxies into existence, demonstrating that our potential is limited only by our own reservations. Embracing the boundless power of God can embolden us to pursue audacious goals that align with His magnificence.

2. Joshua’s Steps: Claiming Promises Amidst Incomplete Occupation: Consider the ancient story of Joshua. God assured him that every place he set foot would belong to him (Joshua 1:3). The Promised Land lay before him, yet history reveals that Israel claimed only a fraction of this divine inheritance. This serves as a reminder that we often settle for less than God’s best. Our lives should resonate with His bounteous promises rather than conforming to limited expectations.

3. The Impact of Aiming High: God is not a God of limitations. He beckons us to strive for abundance, knowing that aiming high opens doors for His miraculous interventions. When we dare to dream big, we create space for God’s extraordinary work in our lives. Our aspirations should mirror our faith, propelling us toward exceptional accomplishments that reflect His power.

4. The Mandate of Discipleship: Clear and Compelling: Navigating the realm of making disciples doesn’t necessitate perplexity. Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) unequivocally outlines our purpose: to share the Gospel, baptize, and teach. Aligning our actions with this mandate is an affirmation of our commitment to God’s divine will. Our obedience in making disciples can usher in transformative outcomes that exceed our wildest imagination.

5. Faith and Prayer: The Cornerstones of Greatness: As believers, our faith isn’t a passive sentiment—it’s an active force that, when coupled with fervent prayer, invokes the greatness of God in our lives. The Bible teaches that even a mustard seed-sized faith can move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Our prayers, infused with faith, can propel us beyond mediocrity.

6. Grasping the Urgency of Time: Yet, as we set our sights on ambitious goals, we mustn’t overlook the pressing issue of time. Life’s ephemeral nature (James 4:14) necessitates that we seize the moment, for the passage of time cannot be halted. Rather than succumbing to the illusion of boundless time, let’s embrace the imperative to make the most of each fleeting opportunity (Ephesians 5:16).

Conclusion: In closing; our God is monumental—His capabilities are limitless, His grace unbounded. He calls us to reach for the stars, not for our glory, but for the advancement of His Kingdom. Joshua’s steps symbolize our own journey toward claiming God’s promises. As we adhere to the mandate of disciple-making, fueled by faith and fortified by prayer, we synchronize our lives with God’s purpose. And within the context of time’s urgency, we recognize the significance of stewarding our moments wisely. As we weave these threads together—faith, aspiration, obedience, and time—we fashion a tapestry that underscores God’s magnificence and our fleeting yet impactful role in His story. Amen.

For His Glory,

Stephen Goff
Stephen.Goff@N-Response2.com
www.N-Response2.com (currently being updated)