Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)
Thank you Girlfriends in God for this reminder…. The first week into the New Year and Satan is already having a field day with me. Doubt and fear mixed with lack of self-confidence is not a good mix. Open my emails for my daily devotion and up pops this message that talks about goals. I have goals for my business – written down. I have personal goals – weight loss goal (kind of written), financial goals (not written at all) along with dreams (the kind that don’t make me sweat or come out of my comfort zone much). Yes, I know all about writing S.M.A.R.T. goals. Knowing it an doing it are two different things, right? I had an AHA moment the other night as I sat at Lydia Circle with some AMAZING women who walk with God every day. I have missed those walks – not been to church since probably the end of the October (work, shows, parties – tis the season, right?), not volunteered or attended any church functions nor have I done more than read my devotions in the morning. I read but didn’t stop to LISTEN to what God had to say – maybe I didn’t want to hear what he was thinking. As a result, I am now humbling myself before him, asking for HIS help and guidance.
So, here are the biblical aspects of setting goals:
Attainable. Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” A goal should not be set to authenticate what you have already been doing or want to do. God created us to mature, to grow, and to change, not to stand on the sidelines of life. God wants us in the game and on the field of life. Godly goals will push us beyond where we are and what we are capable of. If no effort is required to reach the desired outcome, then it really isn’t a goal. Time to step out of that comfort zone and GROW! Can I tell you that the last sentence was really a blow for me…
Realistic. Hebrews 11:6 “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” At this point, it is good to brutally examine motives. Are the goals I am setting from God, or are they from our own selfish desires? Do I want my relationship with God to grow, or do I want others to think I am Godly? Consciously decide in light of Scripture which goals you will prioritize, or you will most likely end up surrendering to the “tyranny of the urgent” or just doing the next and easiest thing.
Timely. Ephesians 5:15-16 “Be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Deadlines (and consequences) help me achieve my goals. Write out a list of things that would need to change in your life in order to reach your goals. The only reason we sometimes don’t accomplish our goals is that we don’t have a written plan of what needs to be done.
PRAY AND WAIT AND LISTEN for God’s response. What are your goals and are they inline with God’s plan for you or are you “winging” it on your own? It is time for me to STOP doing the avoidance dance and humble myself before God – asking earnestly for his help. I would love to hear your thoughts…
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 