Dreams vs. Goals (What’s in Your Control?)
Welcome to another Thursday UNFILTERED substack article, the only substack newsletter that prays regularly to get out of this “may you live in interesting times” curse.
Saturday, October 12th, was my birthday. And many of you kindly showered me with love. I appreciate it. It’s always nice when people don’t forget you exist.
As I have given thanks for another year, I’ve been reflecting on the things the Lord has put on my plate and my heart.
Some items are filed under "DREAMS," others under "GOALS." (Exciting stuff, right?)
Now what's the difference? Buckle up, Sparky.
Dreams are outside our control; goals are within our control.
Dreams depend on the Lord’s timing, final outcomes, the future, other people’s actions, reactions, perceptions, and decisions.
These are all outside our control.
Goals depend on what we believe, what we focus on, what decisions we make, our actions and reactions, and where we spend our time and energy.
These are all within our control.
Example: One of my dreams is to have a ministry team. This depends on other people (and the Lord, of course). One of my goals is to finish unfolding every reference to the kingdom of God in the New Testament in chronological order for “The Insurgence Podcast” (we are up to Luke so far, but you know that because you are a faithful listener, right?).
Recently, Mrs. V. and I watched a movie that featured teen actors. So to use a metaphor from the teenage wasteland we call “high school,” goals are like finally working up the nerve to ask the head cheerleader to prom, armed with nothing but your dad's ancient cologne and a prayer.
Dreams? That's her actually saying "yes," and the universe not imploding from the sheer improbability of it all.
If you're dying to hear more of my riveting thoughts on dreams vs. goals – because clearly, you have nothing better to do with your life – tune in to episode #147 of the “Christ is All” podcast. I talk about the subject in a very personal way. The episode is called Ten Years Ahead.
Enjoy! (Or don't. I'm not your boss.)
Oh, for those of you who asked, we are still on schedule to release The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: Revised and Expanded in March 2025.
Until next Thursday,
Your brother,
fv