“What is your life goal?” : The question my now fiance Matthew asked me on our second date four years ago. I remember being a little intimidated, dare I say I even panicked for a moment. That’s a big conversation to have over a casual pizza date! It’s one of those questions you want to answer thoughtfully and honestly, a question you want to make sure you answer “correctly,” especially with someone you are just getting to know.

What is success to you? I always thought success was doing everything on my own. Having a plan, not needing anyone, having everything neatly set and figured out. But, I’ve started to realize that in getting caught up in my own plans, in the vision I think is best and in the pressure of doing things on my own, I miss out on the miracles God wants to perform in my life.

“Let there never be a day that I don’t rise to give you praise”--a line that Maverick City Music sings in their new song “Be Praised.” As I heard this line and pondered it in my heart, I couldn’t help but be reminded of something my mom would always tell me growing up and still does to this day: the moment I wake up and my feet hit the ground, the devil should flee in fear.

A steadfast friend of mine said something profound to me on the phone last month. As we were reflecting on the anxiety and sin of our current times she said, “If it hurts our heart, just imagine how much more it hurts the heart of the Father.” This line has stuck with me since.

All goodness and greatness is contained in a name

All grace and grandeur in a name

All mercy and majesty in a name

All justice and joy in a name

All sovereignty and strength in a name

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you.’” Matthew 7:21-23

Dreams and desires—we all have them. Each one was uniquely imprinted on our hearts by God Himself, so why do we think we can fulfill them without Him? Too often our tendency is to do things on our own, rely on our own strength and make our own plans. I have this tendency often myself, but I’ve come to realize that I can try tirelessly for the rest of my life, but without Jesus, my work and my striving will remain meaningless and fruitless. In the recognition of my finiteness, I am reminded that everything is nothing without Him. 

Jesus is pursuing your heart. Jesus, the Savior of the world, wants you. In all things He is calling you closer to Him. The Lord of Lords is fighting for your relationship. The great “I AM” longs for communion with you. Jesus, the breaker of chains and renewer of hearts, wants to transform your life. In a culture that perpetuates the lie that a belief in God impedes on our freedom, run to the freedom He gives anyway.