This post is a collection of ideas, verbiage, documents used in the BIG HAIRY AUDACIOUS GOD-SIZED GOALS (BHAGGs) content that is used every December.
PURPOSE:
BHAGG’s fight the leader's tendency to be self-sufficient, in control and un-trusting. They train us to pursue God, His Word & His Will.
TIMING:
This is typically done in DECEMBER of every year. This allows the discussion of BHAGGs for the coming year and checking in on the BHAGGs from the past year.
IMPORTANCE:
BHAGGs are critical for Christian Business Owners. They are a potential antidote for self-sufficiency in our flesh/self. They reflect a practice of willfully declaring our dependence on Christ.
DEFINITIONS / NARRATIVE:
A BHAGG is something that you are trusting God to do in some area of your life - that is SO BIG that when it does happen - GOD and GOD alone can get the credit and glory for it.
A BHAGG is something that I couldn’t do on my own – even if I had 365 of my best days in a row – I STILL COULD NOT ACCOMPLISH THIS
It is the type of thing where it is NOT UP TO YOU TO ACCOMPLISH. It will take a supernatural act of God to make it happen.
A BHAG does not depend upon your work ethic, your education or business acumen, you figuring out how to do something, or putting a plan in place to make it happen.
God is sovereign. BHAGG’s are not. God can lead us to a BHAGG and He can lead us away from one.
Our challenge is to not fall more in love with a BHAGG than we are in love with God. [paraphrased from Phil Vischer, Veggie Tales].
There are a few key things to remember when establishing your BHAGs:
- They must be so big only God can do them.
- They must stretch your faith –you have no idea how they can happen.
- They need to be specific-so that if and when they occur you will know it- there will be no chalking it up to a “coincidence”.
You can “partner” with God in them-but He must make them happen. For example, if you are asking God for a loved one to trust Christ, you can (and should) pray for that to happen, you can even have conversations with that person, but only God can make the BHAGG come true. You should not get frustrated if they do not occur-after all they are BHAGs-they are totally in God’s hands.
VERSES:
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
“Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” – Joshua 3:5
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. - Ephesians 3:20
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. - Hebrews 11:6
OBJECTIONS:
I believe that it can take three years or more for a Round Table member to truly embrace the process of BHAGGs.
Reasons for this:
- They pick a BHAGG so small that they can accomplish it on their own.
- They pick a BHAGG so big that God does not allow it because it would destroy them.
- They object to the idea/process all together
SUGGESTED BHAGG STEPS:
- Prayerfully identify, your BHAGG’s
- Write them down in detail (so as to not forget)
- Share them wisely (Round Table, spouse, etc)
- Post them visibly (keep them top of mind)
- Pray for them daily (diligently seek Him)
- Believe that God hears you
- Give God all the glory
LEVELS OF BHAGGs:
- 100 Level - Praying for the Salvation of Others
- 200 Level - Praying for Heart Desires
- 300 Level - Praying for Enemies
FINAL THOUGHT:
- You have a role in BHAGGs
- Your ongoing, fervent prayers matter. (see verses below)
- If you act the fool then you could be a hindrance to the work of God
- God may ask you to be involved in His work of answering a BHAGG prayer - Be Ready!
James 5:16b
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (remember the righteousness is that of Christ imparted to us)
Daniel 10 (read the chapter)
Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words
PRAYING FOR THE IMPOSSIBLE (David Gibbs):
David Gibbs - Praying for the Impossible.
I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW BIG A DEAL THIS TEACHING IS....