“Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now
trying to attain your goal by human effort?” – (Galatians 3:3 NIV)

This morning when you started your day, did you have an agenda? Many
people, at least the more organized ones, begin by consulting a ‘to do\’
list. In our society, being goal oriented is viewed as a good attribute.

It seems as if I fight a continual battle to get and stay organized. I
make out my list, marking off the more important tasks, dividing them
into categories, and putting a checkmark beside each task as I complete
it. Many times, I barely get the list compiled, and I need to crumple
it up and throw it out. Each day is an adventure, and some days I have
to give up my goals and let God decide.

I love the way David described life in Psalm 139. We are “fearfully and
wonderfully made” and “all the days ordained for me were written in
Your book before one of them came to be.” Did you know that God
ordained your life before you took your first breath? Ordain means to
put in order by virtue of superior authority.

When life throws me lemons, I try to squeeze the adversity out of it,
and let the sweet Holy Spirit calm me while I sip my ‘spiritual
lemonade.\’ In my distress, I do my best to remember that God is in
control. It\’s difficult to surrender. Our nature is to try to control,
but when we surrender, we give up the goals, and let God decide.

I\’ll continue to write my lists. God is not the author of confusion (1
Corinthians 14:33). I desire to set goals that reflect godly
priorities, and depend on God to direct me on this path through life –
even when my day doesn\’t pattern itself after my ‘to do\’ list.

When I think of the book mentioned in Psalm 139:16, I wonder what my
book of life looks like. How many chapters does it have? I hope it\’s a
nice, thick book!

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the very breath of life. I pray that I
will live this day as You direct and guide. Help me to live according
to the Spirit, submitting my will to Yours. In Jesus\’ Name I pray, Amen.

Donna Shepherd Inspirational Writer

Children's author and inspirational writer, Donna J. Shepherd, looks at everyday life and finds God's fingerprints everywhere. From bird watching to the Beatitudes, Donna's writing touches the heart with wisdom and humor while feeding the mind with daily portions of God's Word.

She is currently a columnist for The Dabbling Mum and a staff poet for The Inspiration Station. Her articles and poetry have appeared in Reminisce Extra, Just Between Us, Guideposts for Kids, Penwomanship, Sisters in the Lord, and many more. Her devotionals appear in Daily Grace for Women, Devotional Reflections to Nourish Your Soul (Honor Books), and Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms (Warner Books).