Missed!

BIBLE READING: 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭2:4 - 6 4 For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. 5 Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money! 6 As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else.

BLOG: I like to go out to the range and shoot some targets. I find it quite relaxing and challenging. Especially when I'm shooting at 50 yards with a rifle. 

That's what I was doing one day with a friend of mine. We were taking turns adjusting our sites so we could hit the center of the target every time. But the longer I worked on mine, the worse it got. It didn't matter if I adjusted to the left or right, up or down, it would not work. I was about to throw my rifle out on the ground and give up when it happened. 

I touched the scope and noticed that it was loose. I mean loose. Now you might ask, "Well, how loose was it?" Probably about 1/8 of an inch. (That's 3.175 mm for those of you outside of the country.) What's the big deal? If I am aiming at the center of the target, I would be off by 10 inches or more. It didn't matter how I focused on the scope or adjusted the sights. I was never going to hit the mark. 

1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

All of us want to hit the mark, be successful (aka not be a failure). But if the foundation of our life is loose, then we can't hit the mark. You can see it, you can do everything right, but the report back will always be - "Miss!" 

What do you do? 

Get back to basics. How's your prayer life? Are you a part of a community, small group, that care about you? Do you go to church most Sunday's? 

Don't get in a hurry. Everyone is in a hurry. But it's those who take the time to grow in a relationship with Christ that hit the mark. 

Be Patient. Sounds like the one above, but no. Everything has to come together. If you try to force the situation, you'll miss. Let God's timing be your timing. 

Breathe. Are you holding your breath waiting for the perfect moment? You'll pass out. Are you huffing and puffing because you're trying to make everything work out? You'll pass out! Pace yourself and let God lead you. Don't force it. 

Understand your weaknesses and strengths. Everyone has them. It seems some ignore their weaknesses because they think it makes them look weak. Nothing could be farther from the truth. It just makes you look normal. Don't be ashamed to say, "I can't do that." 

PRAY: Dear Jesus, help me to hit the target in such a way as to honor You! AMEN