Goals for Myself, Goals for God

Heavenly Father. From that moment on, my dream was to become a pastoral staff member. I wanted to walk in Father’s path and share hope with the entire world. Even as I became an adult and prepared for military service, I regarded the army as a gateway toward fulfilling that dream. I believed it would be an opportunity to learn the mindset of a spiritual soldier and, in some small way, experience Father’s heart as I searched for lost brothers in an unfamiliar environment.

Now, looking back after twenty-one months of service, I realize how many valuable experiences I have gained. When I moved forward with clear purpose and relied on God’s help, I received many blessings and lessons through what was accomplished. Yet even through situations that did not unfold as I had hoped, my faith was strengthened, and I came to understand more clearly what I truly needed.

After being assigned to my unit, I was asked during my first interview with my commanding officers about my religion and future plans. I shared that I attend the Church of God and that my dream is to become a pastoral staff member. When I explained about worship, they approved a place for me to hold services, enabling me to keep all the regulations of my faith without affecting my training or duties. For that alone, I was deeply grateful. Not long afterward, I was also permitted to attend Sabbath worship at a nearby church with a brother from the same brigade.

Word soon spread throughout the unit that I was a member of the Church of God. Knowing that others might judge the church and its truth by my actions, I resolved to set a good example both as a soldier and as a believer. I actively volunteered for training, work assignments, and cleaning duties wherever help was needed. After evening roll call, I used my personal time to improve my military specialty. By God’s grace, I placed first in a brigade-level competition and received a commendation from the brigade commander. During basic training, my shooting scores had been low and my physical strength was weak. I had prayed earnestly that God would allow me to glorify Him in all that I did. Looking back, I am truly thankful that Heavenly Father and Mother heard my prayers and granted results beyond my own ability.

During my free time, I often turned to the Bible. Some fellow soldiers who knew about my dream listened as I shared the truth. One of my closest friends, who had a strong interest in world history, was especially attentive. When I showed him how the prophecies recorded in the Bible had been fulfilled precisely throughout history, he was amazed. As we continued studying together, his heart gradually opened, and before long, he became a member of Zion. We kept worship together and studied the prophecies concerning Christ’s Second Coming. One day he said, “I have come to understand that Christ Ahnsahnghong is the Second Coming Christ.” Hearing those words filled me with indescribable emotion. I remembered a message I had once heard: pastoral ministry is about finding, caring for, and saving souls in crisis. Experiencing firsthand the process of finding a heavenly brother in the military and witnessing his journey to know the true God made those words come alive in my heart. I reflected on how joyful our Heavenly Parents must be each time Their children return to Their embrace. I longed to continue living in and sharing this profound joy of the gospel.

However, after that, no one else seemed willing to listen. At the same time, I had eagerly taken on many responsibilities in the unit, and as my workload increased, fatigue gradually set in. My body grew weary, and when I found myself unable to share the truth as much as I had hoped, discouragement quietly crept into my heart. As that period lengthened, even rare moments of free time were spent idly, lying down and scrolling through my phone without purpose.

Then one day, I heard a sermon about the forefathers of faith who, regardless of obstacles, fixed their eyes only on God the Light and preserved their faith. I reflected deeply on myself. If I truly desired to become a prophet who leads in the gospel, I could not stop simply because results were slow or because I felt tired. I needed to believe that through overcoming present difficulties, God would grant realization and fruit. Keeping God as my spiritual goal, I should have resolved to press on until the end.

I rose and reset my goals. Instead of vaguely thinking that I should simply “do better,” I established specific monthly goals. I prayed more earnestly and studied the word consistently. Gradually, my soul regained vitality. I realized that the comfort gained through rest is brief, but the joy that comes from overcoming fatigue and drawing closer to God is far greater and far more lasting.

The past eighteen months have been a season of training in learning how to advance steadily toward my spiritual goal without wavering. Although I believed I was seeking to repay God’s grace, I came to see that I had subtly been setting goals for myself. When those personal ambitions met their limits, I faltered. Now I understand that when I lay aside selfish desires and instead rejoice in what brings joy to Father and Mother, striving to fulfill what They desire, there is no limit. God, who helps His children with unfailing love, is always with us.

I give thanks to God Elohim for guiding me safely through my military service. From now on, I will run forward with renewed strength toward my dream of becoming a prophet devoted to Father and Mother. Even if unexpected trials or obstacles arise, I will look to the blessings promised beyond them and faithfully complete the course of the gospel.