I'm in the middle of TD Jakes book called "Reposition Yourself" This a great read for anyone who is looking to advance themselves spiritually, financially and as a leader. Jakes writes a lot differently then he preaches. I am amazed on how intelligent the guy is. I was really moved last night by his chapter on "Launching Yourself Toward Your Highest Goals." Jakes uses an illustration of a bow an arrow and quotes the scripture in Psalms 127:3-5. He talks about the three stages we must go through in order to reach our goals. Here they are:

1. Reservation- Before the arrows are even put in the bow, they are in reservation. Reservation is the process of waiting and the process of preparation before your goals can be accomplished. Many times, we are not ready or manage the future God has for us and so we must be in preparation for the future. Reservation can be difficult because we usually want thing and want them now. But God says, "Wait and Get Ready!"

2. Retraction- In order for an arrow to be released, the bow must be retracted as far back as possible. The further you pull back the farther the arrow goes. Retraction is the stage of bending and even going backwards before you move forward. Setbacks are not always a bad thing, affliction is not always a bad thing. Sometimes we must be pulled back to the point of breaking before God can release and use us. God can use our troubles for His good. Think of Martin Luther King Jr or Nelson Mandela. These great men went through their fair share of trouble but God used their trouble to turn two nations around and to think a different way. Think of the story of Joseph. Through Joseph's affliction, he was used by God to be second in command of all of Egypt and he was able to feed the people of God. Let us look at our troubles in a different light and let God use them for His good.

3. Release- This is the stage that God releases us to reach the goals and dreams He had in mind for us. This is the victory that God has in mind for all of us.

This three things were very encouraging to me and I hope an encouragement to you also! Next time you see a bow and arrow, remember these three stages that we must go through to achieve what God has in mind.