Aligned Ambitions: Goal Setting, God's WaySample

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

I failed the test – twice. The second time got me kicked out of the Air Command and Staff College. I was informed by the school counselor that it was common for aspiring Air Force civilian leaders such as myself to flunk out of degree programs centered around professional military education. I shouldn’t take it so hard, she said. After all, how could one who had never served in the military be expected to pass a rigorous course on Expeditionary Air and Space Power?

The disappointment I felt for having failed was minimal compared to the frustration I harbored toward God for not answering my prayer. I agonized over the wasted time and energy spent while in the program. I believed my career goals were aligned with what God had called me to do in that season, and all I asked was that I pass the test. I remember thinking what a small request it was, and not understanding why God had chosen to let me fail – not once, but twice. Looking back, I now realize the valuable lesson God was imparting to me – He was teaching me perseverance.

Perseverance is the act of persisting through difficult challenges regardless of the obstacles. It is the ability to press through adversity while maintaining a cheerful outlook. If there ever was anyone who knew about perseverance, it was the Apostle Paul. Not only was he imprisoned, but he endured being beaten, stoned, and whipped, yet through it all, he remained steadfast, diligent, and forward-focused toward the goal for which God called him (Philippians 3:13-14).

I find today’s scripture encouraging. It serves as a reminder that we will reap the benefit of staying on the course. While the journey to our destiny is not always easy, we are promised the strength to accomplish all we have been called to do (Philippians 4:13).

I reapplied for the military leadership program four months after I flunked out. I was assigned the same counselor. She was impressed with my persistence, and rather than have me start the course over, she allowed me to pick up where I left off. Six months later, I graduated.

Success becomes an inevitable part of the narrative when we refuse to yield to setbacks. It is this steadfastness, in conjunction with our alignment with God’s will for our lives that leads to the fulfillment that comes from achieving our goals and living out our dreams.

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