One day, a man decided to venture into the woods to go hunting. As he rounded a corner on the trail, he unexpectedly encountered a bear. Quickly, he aimed his bow and arrow, shot, and missed. Immediately, the bear charged toward him. Frozen with fear, the man couldn’t move but managed to muster a few brief words:
“Oh Lord,” he prayed, “Please forgive me for not living for You, and grant me just one request. Please make a Christian out of the bear that’s charging at me.”
At that very moment, the bear skidded to a halt in front of the man, fell to its knees, clasped its paws together, and began to pray aloud:
“Dear God, bless this food I am about to receive.”
The Lesson? Don’t miss the bullseye. Whether you are aiming at a bear, a target in an archery competition, or God’s perfect will for your life, missing the bullseye can result in serious consequences.
When discerning God’s will, it’s helpful to think of it like aiming for a target. God’s perfect will is the bullseye—the red dot in the center, perfectly aligned with His best for your life. This perfect will is where you feel at peace, knowing you are walking in His plan and purpose for you.
Paul reminds us in Romans that God’s will is “good, pleasing, and perfect.” The center of the target—God’s perfect will—is where God deeply desires us to live: fully surrendered and fully aligned with His heart. When we walk in this center, our lives reflect His purpose and design.
So how can you hit the bullseye of God’s perfect will for your life? Here are five practical steps:
- Live a life that is holy and obedient to God.
- Renew your mind daily through Scripture, quiet time, and prayer.
- Seek counsel first and foremost from God’s Word (the Bible).
- Have a genuine sense of God’s peace in your heart.
- Seek confirmation from a godly, wise, and trusted pastor or friend.
Yet, even in this journey, there will be times when we miss the center of the bullseye. Perhaps we aim for God’s best but land in another part of the target—what could be described as “good” or “pleasing.” These areas may not be the exact center, but they remain within God’s grace. He lovingly covers us with His mercy when we miss the mark, working through our imperfect choices for our good and His glory.
God is both gracious and patient, gently guiding us back to the center of His will.
Listen Closely: Paul reminds us to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. This transformation happens as you let go of the world’s ways of thinking and adopt God’s perspective. The more you allow God’s Word and Spirit to shape you, the better you’ll understand what it means to aim for the center—His perfect will. Through prayer, Scripture, obedience, wise counsel, and sensitivity to the Spirit, God will reveal His plan for your life.
Never forget this truth: “L.O.V.E.” is spelled “T.I.M.E.” Spend TIME with God.
The good news? God’s mercy never fails when you miss the target. Even when you fall short of the bullseye, His grace invites you to aim again. He teaches you to trust Him, listen to His guidance, and surrender your will to His.
Remember: If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time.
So, aim for the bullseye.
