Intention

Intention is a double-edged word. Within it lies all possibility, but possibly no follow-through. I intend to write every day. I intend to spend time in God’s word every day. I intend to be present with my people when I am with them. All of these are great intentions, but what provides the next step? What takes thoughts to action? What brings intention to fruition?

If intention is the fuel for action, then what provides the spark? I believe the spark is prayer. As the writer of Romans states, “I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate...For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” (Romans 7:15, 18)

There is One who does have the ability to carry it out, though:

And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him,

the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,

the Spirit of counsel and might,

the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.

And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. (Isaiah 11:2-3)

This same Spirit indwells those who follow Him:

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well. (Galatians 5:16-17, 22-25)

Can I achieve all I intend in my own strength? Probably not. Or if I do reach my intentional goals, where is the fallout? Who does not receive my intentionality while I am busy achieving? This is why my prayer must be for the Spirit of God to guide my intentions, align them with His intentions, so that I do not miss the moment for the milestone.

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This post was written for a 5-day writing challenge with Hope Writers

#hopewriterlife