At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’” (Luke 13:31-32)

These verses were part of my devotional reading this morning and seem like a good way to start the week. The Pharisees thought they were doing Jesus a favor by advising Him to leave Jerusalem. They probably didn’t expect Jesus’ resolute determination to stick to God’s plan and keep doing the job despite the dangers. He didn’t worry about Herod or the other leaders who wanted to get rid of Him … He didn’t try to sneak out of town to continue His ministry where He’d be less noticeable … He didn’t plead His case or ask others to put in a good word for Him with the authorities. No, He had a goal and knew He would work toward it every day until that goal was accomplished.

What kinds of goals do we have? Or — more importantly — what kinds of goals does God have for us? What work does He want us to do, and how do we respond when people or circumstances try to keep us from moving toward it?

I’ll admit to being rather frustrated these days because I’m trying to work on something I think God wants me to do – a devotional writing project, actually – but life and other work keep getting in the way. I’m in the middle of several weeks jammed with “real” work (read: client projects that help pay the bills) that keeps nudging everything else to the sidelines. By the end of the day I’m so tired I can barely keep my eyes open, let alone string coherent thoughts together on paper. God has cracked a door of opportunity for me and I really want to get this work done before the chance disappears. And I know I will, if I ask for His help and His strength … because I don’t get very far on my own in these situations.

My challenge to myself this week is to stay focused on that goal He’s set for me and keep doing my best every day to take another step toward it. The rest is up to Him.