Lighthouse Keeper

The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps (Proverbs 16:9 NASB)

I was visiting a little church once. One enthusiastic greeter launched at me and said, 

“I haven’t seen you before, tell me about your God Goals!”

I reeled in horror at the suggestion before mumbling something about “walking humbly with my God” (Micah 6:8) and making myself scarce round the back of the kitchen. 

One of the things I’m big on in my Christian walk is surrender. Daily surrender. Jesus in Gethsemane surrendered. (Luke 22:42). So the notion that I can put together a brightly coloured spreadsheet and God would magically endorse it doesn’t really sit right with me. It all seems very Tony Robbins, American pop-psychology so I tend to steer away from all that. 

Then one day, I was watching tennis and saw an interview with Coco Gauff. She was talking about how she had some five-year goals “in the Notes app in my iPhone and I just remind myself of those”. I was so cool and millennial and simple that the concept appealed to me. So I opened the Notes app on my iPhone and rambled out a list. 

That was on 26 May 2024 and has formed the five year plan that I refer to every now and again for my life. It’s very high level. There’s no coloured spread sheets or Gantt charts, just a list of stuff I want my life to be about. And did I bring this before the Lord? Yes indeed. Can God change any of these around in His perfect and pleasing sovereign Will (Romans 12:2)? Yes indeed. It forms more of a memorial stone (Joshua 4) and a place of thanksgiving for me to see all the wonderful things God had led me to and through. 

I’ll give you some examples:

What really surprised me when I prayed through them last night for New Year’s eve 2025 was how little of it needed editing. 

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. (Proverbs 16:9). It’s a bit like prayer, ask, seek, knock (Matthew 7) but at the end of the day, God will have the final say (and the better say). 

If you’re a bit cynical like me about “God Goals” I suggest you try the simple, Coco Gauff method and scribble down some ideas about what you want your life to be about. This can also include things you don’t want for your life. For example, I have “don’t chase people and things”. 

These little nudges on the narrow road will make you feel good about your progress and keep you from stumbling. You can also screenshot some Bible verses and promises the Lord has revealed to you and attach it in the Notes app. 

Happy New Year to you all. May you go on some great adventures with and for God.