Was last year a good year for you? Did you reach your goals? I had a very productive year, but I have to confess I didn’t really set any precise goals.
Is goal setting really that important?
I’ve never been good at it, especially when it comes to setting dates and action steps. But I am a doer. I love getting things done for the Lord, and a sense of accomplishment does boost my sense of significance.
So how is it possible for someone who is bad at setting goals accomplish anything for the Lord? The only explanation I can think of is that the Lord has directed each one of my steps and I am deeply committed to Him.
| Now please don’t misunderstand me. I am not saying that goal-setting isn’t important. |  |
What I am saying is that…
Devotion to God is more important than goal setting
Our love and commitment to live for Him should trump any action plan we may develop.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Mat 6:33)
Our faith and trust in God also play a huge factor in whether we accomplish things for the Lord (i.e. produce lasting spiritual fruit) or whittle away our precious time.
Goal-setting and action planning has always caused me undue stress. Not because they are wrong, but because I have a difficult time determining what each of those steps should be, a reasonable timeline, and how to carry it out, especially when it comes to managing my online ministry. Fear of failure, fear of making mistakes, lack of know-how among other things keep me from even making any formal goals. Then guilt often follows.
However, the Lord has been teaching me the error of my thinking. I need not get so frustrated and flustered at the very mention of setting goals. What He has very pointedly brought to my attention is that:
God promises to direct each of our steps
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Pr 3:5-6 NKJV)
We should actively pursue God’s will in everything—not only in big life decisions
We are to walk each step by faith with Him via the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 5:7, Gal 5:25)
He typically doesn’t give us the details of the whole plan
He only promises to tell us what the next step should be and when to take it.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Ps 119:105)
A lamp lights the immediate area in front of us, not the miles ahead. Not having a complete plan keeps us dependent upon God.
Do now what we know for sure God wants us to do
This could be as simple as reading His Word, attending a Bible study, or helping a friend.
Stay connected to Christ
Jesus said:
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (Jn 15:5)
My friend, are you not good at goal setting like me? Be encouraged because your gracious kind Father will help you accomplish great things for Him nonetheless—if you are devoted to Him. Why? Because….
The eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. (2 Chr 16:9 BSB)
Show your commitment to God with this prayer—make it your biggest goal for this year.
Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. (Ps 86:11)
BTW: These ideas were taught to me by the Lord while writing my last 2 books:
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And soon to be released! |
How to Know God’s Will: Goal 🙂 mid January! |
Other Relevant Resources
Do You Know Your God-Given Purpose?
Except where indicated all Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible: New International Version®. NIV. ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
(BSB) Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.