Several years ago, my wife bought me a plaque for my home office as a gift. It reads, “A man who walks with God, always reaches his destiny.” I can’t tell you how much that has meant to me over the years.

There have been many seasons in my life and ministry where I felt like I would never reach my destiny. As a young man, my potential seemed almost limitless. But there is a point at which you stop talking about potential and begin talking about what is.

At 27 years old I planted a church that took almost 10 years to fully mature. Along the way, we faced hardship, setbacks, and disappointment. Sometimes I thought we would never grow beyond 100 people. It was in those moments that I had to dig deep in order to keep going.

What is so insightful about the plaque in my office is that I don’t need to worry about my destiny. In fact, worrying about your destiny too much can focus your attention on the wrong thing altogether.

Instead, all I need to concentrate on is walking with God. If I walk with God today, and tomorrow, and the next day, and month after month, I will reach my destiny. It is a promise.

Why? Because my destiny is found in the presence of my savior. If I am walking with him, I can’t miss it. If I am walking with Him, He won’t allow me to miss it.

I find that so incredibly encouraging.

I have gone back to that plaque several times a year for almost a decade. Every time I meditate on its truth, I am inspired to relax and trust God. Not having to reach my full potential in my own strength has made me more content with the season I am in and less likely to strive in my flesh to make something happen.

All God wants from me is to walk with Him. He has promised to take care of the rest.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6