Achieving Our Goals God’s Way (Part 1)

Goals are as unique as we are. They should reflect our unique personalities and passions. And we arrive at them via different avenues. Whatever our goals may be, let's first examine their purpose and then look at them through these biblical keys. If we will consult the Lord before and in the midst of our goal planning, seeking His guidance, and submitting to His will, we'll be amazed not only at the destination of our goals, but, also by the journey.

A goal is: something that you hope to achieve in the future.

Biblical Keys to Goal Setting

1) Faith: We serve a big God who can accomplish the impossible.  There is nothing He can’t do.  We can believe that He journeys with us and always has our best in mind.  He is trustworthy and faithful.

2) Humility: We never want to be in a position of demanding that things work out or that all our goals are accomplished exactly as we say. God's Will must always supersede our own.  We need to be sure our attitude is one of humility before our holy and mighty God.

3) Commitment: We need to commit ourselves to the tasks at hand.

4) Diligence: Goals often require hard work.  We need to be diligent in our effort.

5) Perseverance: We will face setbacks and disappointments, but need to persevere through rough times. 

6) Alignment with God’s Word and Will: We must remain within the parameters of God’s Word and His Will.

7) Forethought & Planning: Do the appropriate homework before starting our task; count the cost.

8) Motivation: What is our reason for setting the goal; is our heart (desire) pure?

9) Plan ahead and have goals. "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?" {Luke 14:28-31}

10) It is wise to have a goal in mind. "A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn't and even brags about it!" {Proverbs 13:16}

11) Get wise counsel to help you in setting goals. "Plans go wrong with too few counselors; many counselors bring success." {Proverbs 15:22}

 12) Plan your goals carefully and deliberately, not in haste. "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." {Proverbs 21:5}

13) Goals should include submission to God. "What you ought to say is, 'If the Lord wants us to, we shall live and do this or that.' Otherwise you will be bragging about your own plans, and such self-confidence never pleases God." {James 4:15-16}