So far this year, I have been terrible at meeting goals I've set for myself. I set 2 goals at New Year's that I haven't kept up with at all. One was writing more frequently and I've been awful about that. The second was to run in a half marathon. I did great for about 5 or 6 weeks of training but then a sinus infection got in the way. I'm pretty disappointed in myself for not going through with running the half marathon in 2 weeks. But a new season of "goals" is upon us, Lent. For Lent this year, I am trying to read my Bible everyday and intentionally follow a Bible reading plan for Lent. I also gave up worry and stress. Giving up worry and stress is pretty difficult. But I am trying to be more intentional about praying when I'm stressed about something. I'm trying to give things over to God more. I tend to like to do it myself. While I'm not being 100% successful with not worrying, I am praying more.
My first goal of reading my Bible everyday is going pretty well. Sunday and Monday of this week had some really good passages that I have been thinking a lot about. The first was the story of when Abraham follows God and leaves his homeland to go to Canaan and the second was when Abraham is to sacrifice Isaac. I've heard these stories countless times as a child and as an adult. But reading it this time, I was struck by Abraham's response to God. "Here am I, Lord." He doesn't question what God is asking him to do in either story. He accepts God's task for him. I admire the way Abraham says, "Here am I, Lord." I'm not sure if God was asking me to sacrifice my only son, I wouldn't be hiding from him.
This scripture has stayed with me on this reading. I feel like God is challenging me to be here, serving him. That he as set forth a goal for me that I can accomplish but only with my trust set in him.
I encourage you to read these passages in Genesis 12:1-9 and Genesis 22:1-19. See what challenge God has set forth for you.