In these series of nuggets we are going to discuss godly goals and godly desires. We are going to learn the difference between goals and desires. We also are going to learn that just because a goal or desire is godly, it does not mean that it is the will of God for our lives. Many times we experience disappointment and pain because we have a desire that can never be fulfilled on this earth because it is dependent upon people or circumstances beyond our ability or right to control. Many Christians 'crash and burn' because they can't achieve their godly desire. However, if we have godly goals that are led by the Holy Spirit, we will see our goal achieved. No goal, conceived of the Holy Spirit, can be blocked.

Whenever we have goals or desires there are many opportunities to experience distractions, diversions, trials, disappointments, temptations, and at times extreme trauma. Because these events take place, they do not necessarily mean that our goals or desires are wrong. In fact, they may mean that our goal and desire is according to God's will and the devil, the world, or our flesh is trying to thwart the will of God in our life. However, at times, God Himself is allowing events to take place in our life to show that we are 'off track' from His will. So, don't be too quick to blame everything on the devil.

The Bible makes it clear that God uses disappointments and tribulations to build character in our lives. To build us into mature Christians:

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; [4] and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; [5] and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:3-5

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, [3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. [4] And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4

The problem is that many Christians want their godly desires met more than to have the number one goal of God fulfilled in their life. What is that number one goal?
Sanctification
For this is the will of God, your sanctification; ... 1 Thes. 4:3

In these nuggets we don't want to lessen the fact that disappointments can be very painful. We have recently gone through our own disappointments. They are not fun. But at the same time we are learning how to experience joy through the midst of them. The joy comes from knowing God is with you through the disappointments and that He is building the character of Christ within you. It is called trusting the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit working in your life. And because of His faithfulness in other trials and tribulations, we can trust our God.

In our next nugget we will discuss the difference between goals and desires.

"Disappointments–His Appointments,"
Change one letter, then I see
That the thwarting of my purpose
Is God's better choice for me.
His appointment must be blessing,
Tho' it may come in disguise,
For the end from the beginning
Open to His wisdom lies.

"Disappointments–His Appointments,"
No good will He withhold,
From denials oft we gather
Treasures of His love untold.
Well He knows each broken purpose
Leads to fuller, deeper trust,
And the end of all His dealing
Proves our God is wise and just.

"Disappointments–His Appointments,"
Lord, I take it, then, as such,
Like clay in the hands of a potter,
Yielding wholly to Thy touch,
My life's plan is Thy molding;
Not one single choice be mine;
Let me answer, unrepining–
"Father, not my will, but Thine."
Author Unknown

Copyright Ó 2001 Richard D. Dover. All rights reserved.
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Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations used are from the New American Standard Version (NAS).