- Is it okay to pray for goals you could never accomplish in your entire lifetime?
- Is it okay to pray for goals that you don’t have the money to pay for?
- Is it okay to pray for goals that have not yet been voted by the proper committees and boards?
I think it depends on who you are praying to. When we pray to the “Lord of the harvest” (Luke 10:1-3), the One who owns the earth and everything in it (Psalm 24:1) we can pray for bold goals. When we pray in harmony with the Great Commission Jesus has given us (Matthew 28:18-20: Go – Make Disciples – Baptize – Teach all) we can pray for bold goals.
I’m praying to Jesus for five things that are completely beyond me, my budget, my time and my authority. But I can still talk to my Heavenly Father and ask Him for bold goals, then do my humble part to see how He’ll use me or move me out of the way to accomplish His will.
Here they are…
- Baptize 3000 – To see 3,000 unite with the Adventist movement in Texas through Baptism or Profession of Faith each year for the next four years through the Holy Spirit and Total Member Involvement.
- Mentor 3000 – To see all those who unite with the Adventist movement mentored at least until they lead someone else to prepare to unite with the movement. And I’m praying we become far better at mentoring our young people, volunteer church leaders and all members in their relationships, ministry and mission the Lord has called them to do. Mentoring is another word for Making Disciples.
- Plant 50 – To see the Adventist message taken to and established in 50 new communities in Texas over the next four years.
- Send 50 – To see 50 workers (short, medium and long-term) sent from Texas over the next four years to serve in parts of the world where the people haven’t had a chance to see and hear the Adventist advantage (e.g. the 10/40 Window, etc.).
- Start 10 – To see 10 new Adventist schools started in Texas over the next four years using models that are financially sustainable, mission-focused and accessible to Adventist young people that don’t have a viable Adventist Education option at this time.
Will you take a moment right now to join me in praying for these five things to the Lord of all creation?
What bold goals is Jesus inspiring you to pray for in your circle of influence or beyond?
Blessings to you,
Dan Serns
Inspired Insights
“Success in any line demands a definite aim. He who would achieve true success in life must keep steadily in view the aim worthy of his endeavor. Such an aim is set before the youth of today. The heaven-appointed purpose of giving the gospel to the world in this generation is the noblest that can appeal to any human being. It opens a field of effort to everyone whose heart Christ has touched.” {Education 262.1}
“True success in any line of work is not the result of chance or accident or destiny. It is the outworking of God’s providences, the reward of faith and discretion, of virtue and perseverance. Fine mental qualities and a high moral tone are not the result of accident. God gives opportunities; success depends upon the use made of them.” {Prophets and Kings 486.2}
“One soul is of infinite value; for Calvary speaks its worth. One soul, won to the truth, will be instrumental in winning others, and there will be an ever-increasing result of blessing and salvation…” {Christian Service 121.2}
“Churches are to be organized and plans laid for work to be done by the members of the newly organized churches. This gospel missionary work is to keep reaching out and annexing new territory, enlarging the cultivated portions of the vineyard. The circle is to extend until it belts the world.” {Evangelism 19.2}
“The Lord is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those who serve Him than parents are to give good gifts to their children. For the daily baptism of the Spirit every worker should offer his petition to God. Companies of Christian workers should gather to ask for special help, for heavenly wisdom, that they may know how to plan and execute wisely. Especially should they pray that God will baptize His chosen ambassadors in mission fields with a rich measure of His Spirit. The presence of the Spirit with God’s workers will give the proclamation of truth a power that not all the honor or glory of the world could give.” {Acts of the Apostles 50.2}
“Our church schools are ordained by God to prepare the children for this great work. Here children are to be instructed in the special truths for this time and in practical missionary work. They are to enlist in the army of workers to help the sick and the suffering. Children can take part in the medical missionary work and by their jots and tittles can help to carry it forward. Their investments may be small, but every little helps, and by their efforts many souls will be won to the truth. By them God’s message will be made known and His saving health to all nations. Then let the church carry a burden for the lambs of the flock. Let the children be educated and trained to do service for God, for they are the Lord’s heritage.” {Counsels for the Church 211.1}
“Our educational institutions can do much toward meeting the demand for trained workers for these mission fields. Wise plans should be laid to strengthen the work done in our training centers. Study should be given to the best methods for fitting consecrated young men and women to bear responsibility and to win souls for Christ. They should be taught how to meet the people and how to present the third angel’s message in an attractive manner. And in the management of financial matters they should be taught lessons that will help them when they are sent to isolated fields where they must suffer many privations and practice the strictest economy.” {Counsels to Parents, Teachers and Students 524.2}
“To show a liberal [generous], self-denying spirit for the success of foreign missions is a sure way to advance home missionary work; for the prosperity of the home work depends largely, under God, upon the reflex influence of the evangelical work done in countries afar off. It is in working to supply the necessities of others that we bring our souls into touch with the Source of all power. The Lord has marked every phase of missionary zeal that has been shown by His people in behalf of foreign fields. He designs that in every home, in every church, and at all the centers of the work, a spirit of liberality [generosity] shall be shown in sending help to foreign fields, where the workers are struggling against great odds to give the light to those who sit in darkness.” {Gospel Workers page 465.4}
Dan Serns 