August 12, 2016
Big Goals, Big Life
Arlene Pellicane
We hope you are enjoying the Girlfriends in God daily devotions. We (Mary, Sharon, and Gwen) would like to introduce you to some of our special friends. From time-to-time, the Friday devotions will be written by one of our friends in ministry. We call them our “Friday Friends.” So grab your Bible and a fresh cup of coffee and drink in the words from our “Friday Friend,” Arlene Pellicane
Today’s Truth
I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then (Joshua 14:11, NIV).
Friend to Friend
Every year, I attend a personal growth conference with some truly inspirational people. Speakers have included greats such as Neil Armstrong, Zig Ziglar, Lou Holtz, Andy Andrews, and Jim Rohn. I know being exposed to this caliber of professionals has pushed me to become a better person, wife, and mom.
Some may wonder about the lasting effects of motivational conferences. You may wonder how many times does one really need to hear “Think positive,” “Never give up” and “Set ambitious goals”?
One of my friends says it’s because we leak. We constantly need to be re-filled, re-inspired, redirected, and reenergized. We need role models to look up to. We need godly mentors to keep us accountable to higher goals and more meaningful living.
Caleb in the Bible was that kind of person. While the ten other spies looked at the Promised Land, all they could see were the giants. They cowered in fear and their unbelief spread like a virus to the Israelites. Caleb saw giants too – giant grapes to be taken!
In the book of Joshua, we read that Caleb at age 85 stood before Joshua, not ready for retirement, but ready for action. He still had big goals. “Now give me this hill country that the Lord has promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said” (Joshua 14:12, NIV).
The Bible goes on to tell us that Caleb received the land of Hebron as his inheritance because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly. He didn’t allow his big goal of taking the land to die in the 40-year detour through the wilderness. He had big goals and he lived a big life.
I heard a great sermon that challenged the idea of David being the first great giant killer in the Bible. Before David, there was Caleb. You see Caleb had to drive out the giants (Anakites) that were in Hebron before he took his inheritance.
Perhaps David gained strength to fight Goliath because he knew Caleb’s story of victory.
Maybe David the young lad knew of the odds against Caleb the old man and it gave him courage.
Have you ever thought that as you pursue your God-given goals and dreams, it will give courage to the next generation to pursue theirs? No matter your age, there are giants in the land to be taken. There are promises to be fulfilled. There are still mountains to be climbed.
Never give into the naysayers. Keep writing goals for every season in your life. You serve a big God who accomplishes big goals to His glory.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, I commit my life to You. Like Caleb, I want to have big goals. I want to defeat giants for Your Name’s sake. Birth in me ideas and dreams that come from Your heart. Help me to accomplish Your will in my life. Thank You for being with me every step of the way. Revive my heart and hope I pray.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Do you have someone in your life that encourages you to write bigger goals? To live a bigger life?
Are you that kind of person to someone else?
More from the Girlfriends
Today’s devotion is from speaker and author Arlene Pellicane. She’s thankful for her mentor Pam Farrel who is the author of several books including Becoming a Brave New Woman. This is a great resource for anyone who wants to develop the courage to walk into his or her hopes and dreams. Also, if you want to learn how to be more purposeful and goal oriented in your marriage, you can read Arlene’s book 31 Days to Becoming a Happy Wife. Visit www.ArlenePellicane.com for more resources including a monthly Happy Home Podcast.
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