Setting Goals that Fulfill Your God-given Purpose

I’ve been that woman with the lump in the back of my throat and wondering if I’m good enough to lead this project. How will others see me? This is a huge task, and you wonder, “What if I fail?”

Or maybe, you’ve always wanted to lead a Bible Study or the Women’s Ministry at your church. You are good enough friend, and you may be missing out on fulfilling your God-given purpose.

Here is what changed for me and I am sharing that secret with you about setting Godly goals for the New Year.

There are times that accomplishing a goal can be overwhelming, it’s then we must take inventory of our thoughts and determine how this God-given goal can be used to bring glory to Him.

Because goals are the “map‚” that will guide you toward your God-given purpose, without setting them you will also wander in circles without getting where you need to go.

Setting Goals is Not Unspiritual

Many people wrongly think, “Goal setting is unspiritual because it shows a lack of trust. It’s not right to plan. Instead, people should wait for God to lead them.‚”

Granted, God doesn’t want us to forge ahead in pride without consulting Him for direction. But neither does He want us to sit around without acting, because He’s given us gifts and talents and has also said that we are called to do good works (Eph. 2: 8-10, Romans 12:4-8, Matthew 25:14-30).

Forging ahead without seeking God or sitting back and doing nothing can stem from fear or a lack of faith. However, setting goals and consulting with Him shows that you trust Him and believe that He is able to lead you while you are moving forward.

WHAT IS SETTING A GODLY GOAL OR GOD-GIVEN GOAL?

I like to define setting a Godly goal as one where you’ve prayed and spent time with God to obtain His guidance.  Something that I’ve learned is that if it’s in the divine will of God and His plan everything flows like a river.

Sometimes we assume that God needs to give us the entire picture of how our purpose will play out before they set goals. Why? because we are afraid and don’t trust that God is in control of our future and purpose.

Granted, God can do anything, but my personal experience and the experiences of other Bible scholars reveals that God doesn’t give all the details at once while we are fulfilling our purpose. Instead, He often provides just enough information to help us move forward one step at a time. This helps our faith grow. This does not mean we shouldn’t set goals. 

Instead, it means we need to trust Him to lead us into the unknown, and that we may need to reevaluate and change our goals as He gives us more information. This is OK. It’s part of having a dynamic, collaborative and exciting relationship with Him.

Can you imagine if we had the future all figured out? Life would not be as exciting.

As you progress in your purpose and God reveals more information to you, keep a dialogue open with Him, pay attention to the road signs He provides along the way and listen to Him speak to you through His Word and the Holy Spirit. Then you can be confident that He will show you when you are in—and out—of His will. 

And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. Habakkuk 2:2 KJV

I absolutely love creating a Vision Board ~ I’ve created one every year and it’s on my wall as a “Visual” Reminder of what the Lord has placed in my heart for this season.

What are some of your Godly goals?
Do you want to…
Attend Bible Study regularly?
Start a Christian Blog?
Memorize Scripture?
Begin Daily Quiet Time with God?
Go on a Mission Trip?

This year, I’m set a Godly goals that include completing a Coaching Certification Course.

#LookatGod ~ He made it possible!

After I write the vision that is on my heart; I must take the time and begin with prayer.  

Let God know you’re struggling with what to do next and how to get Godly Goals in place for your life. God created you as a spiritual being, He wants you to love Him with your whole heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22: 37-40). This means that your goals must agree with your spiritual convictions. If you set goals that go against what you know God asks of you, you will become fragmented emotionally and intellectually and you will lose your joy and enthusiasm.

Take note, by starting a journal and write down what the Holy Spirit is speaking to you.

I hope some of these ideas sparked inspiration. Once you’ve written out your prayer and created your vision board, hang it up and decorate it; put scripture and quotes on it. Put it somewhere to remind you.

Because goals are the map that will guide you toward your God-given purpose, without setting them you will also wander in circles without getting where you need to go.

I believe in waiting on God to lead and not forging ahead of Him in pride without consulting Him for direction. But I don’t believe He wants us to sit around without acting because He has given each of us talents, gifts and has said that we are called to do good works. (Ephesians 2:8-10) (Romans 12:4-8)

Forging ahead without seeking God or just sitting back and doing nothing can stem from fear or lack of trust.  However, setting goals and consulting with Him shows you trust Him and believe that He can lead you in moving forward.

SET GOALS AND FULFILL YOUR GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE

Need some help setting goals? I’m ready to help you..

S.M.A.R.T. goal setting was written by George Dorn, Arthur Miller and James Cuningham in November 1981.  Although this method of goal setting was given for Time Management Review; I have found it very applicable in many areas of my life.

The acronym SMART states that goals are:

Specific (simple, sensible, significant) – What exactly do you want.to accomplish. This should answer the 5 W’s: Who, What, When, Why and Which resources are needed? Who will benefit? Where does this need to take place? (if relevant)

Measurable (meaningful, motivating) – How will you measure the progress of your goals. Set short and long-term goals.  This helps you know how close you are to completion.

Achievable (agreed, attainable) – Plan your work, work your plan. Do you currently have the skills and tools to achieve the goal or will you need to acquire some training? You should feel inspired and motivated ~ not discouraged. So be realistic and plan accordingly. What tasks come to mind to get this accomplished?

Realistic (relevant, reasonable) Be Realistic about what you plan to accomplish. Make a reasonable stretch, but not stress you out. (this is unclear) Is it worthwhile, applicable? Am I the right person for this?  Is now the right time?

Time Target Timelines will help you stay on task. And they give you a sense of urgency. A little tension produces a reachable outcome.

Click HERE for a FREE 30-minute Godly Goal Setting Appointment. – I’d love to help you!

Finally, remember, the world doesn’t rest on your shoulders and you will make mistakes in setting goals. It’s OK.

Because God wants to see you do His will, He will teach you the way to go as you walk in faith. (Psalms 32:8)

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