Ready – Fire! – Aim (Part 4: The Future)

Which one characterizes your approach to planning? 1) “Ready – Aim – Fire!” or 2) “Ready – Fire! – Aim?”  The first method is proactive and results in steady progress toward goals. The other approach is reactive and leads to chaos and confusion.

It’s the start of a new year. What would you want life to look like at the end of 2011? Take a moment to reflect on the following statements and then fill in the blanks:

My deepest desire is that at the end of 2011 I want my life …

1. at home (as a spouse and a parent) to become _____.
2. at work (in your current job or future career) to become _____.
3. at church (in your worship and ministry) to become_____.
4. as a Christian (in your character and conduct) to become _____.

Answering these four questions will bring greater clarity to your future. It also will result in greater personal transformation. Using this method is the “Ready – Aim – Fire!” approach to life.

But there’s one question. How will these results occur? It’s one thing to write down your desires about the future; but it’s another thing to actually see those dreams turn into reality. How do you move from your current reality to your desired future?

One approach is to develop a “personal strategic plan.” First, develop a list of “action steps” for each goal for the next 90 days.. These are the specific activities that will bring about your desired results. At the end of this time period evaluate your progress and develop a new set of “action steps.” Some items will be new; others will carry over from the previous 90 days.

There’s one problem with this approach. It isn’t biblical. Which Bible character used this approach? The flaw is that it puts you, not God, at the center of the process. You set the goals; you set the action steps; and you evaluate your progress. Galatians 2:3 (NIV 1984) says, “Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?”

Go ahead; try this approach. It’s doomed to failure because it’s you trying to make things happen. The biblical approach isn’t trying; it’s trusting. God must give guidance and provide power. It’s not that you don’t have a role. You have to take a step of faith in the direction God is leading. Then God provides what you need to bring about His plan and purpose for your life.

Jesus modeled this approach in his life. One morning the disciples are frantic because they can’t find Jesus. Eventually they locate him having his Quiet Time. He immediately says, “… Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also …” (Mark 1:38). How did Jesus arrive at this conclusion? His Father had just told Him the plan during His Quiet Time! There are many other examples showing that Jesus never had a strategic plan. He spent time in prayer asking His Father, “What’s the next step?” And God provided guidance.

My suggestion is that you complete the exercise mentioned above. Fill in the blanks to the four statements. But before you begin, ask God, “What would You want my life to look like at year’s end?” Then, on a daily basis, ask God, “Father, what’s my next step in this area?” Life then becomes a Great Adventure as God guides and provides for your future.

© 2011 Designed to Serve®