So, we are six months in a new year. God placed it on my heart to check in with everyone who has set a goal this year. I am a goal driven person; small goals are little markers to remind me that I am headed in the right direction. However, when we don’t reach certain goals in the time-frame that we have allotted it is easy to become discouraged. I’m learning in this season a lot of goals may be unmet due to disobedience or God not ever being included in the plan to begin with.
So, as we embark on the rest of our year, I thought it would be a good idea to goal set the Godly way.
To get started I believe that anytime we are planning or goal setting, it is important to seek clarity, direction and the wisdom of God. I am currently fasting for this very reason. I am getting ready to work with a life coach, so that I have someone else holding me accountable for my goals. Before I meet with my coach, I want to be clear with the goals that God has set fourth over my life instead of what I may believe is the best. Fasting changes our heart posture focusing on what God wants versus what may feel good to me in the moment.
Which leads me to my next point. In today’s society it is so easy to lust after what others have accomplished or what society tells you should be the next pivotal point in your life, even though this is a form of comparison and comparison is a joy killer. Fasting initially, before you set your goals allows you to look at your reason why? One of my goals is to make six figures. If God chooses to bless me financially in this area, what will I do with it? I must first check my motives, is the need to acquire more money, the focus, because I want more stuff? Or is it to help other people when they are need? With each goal I set, I ask myself if you bless me with this, how can I give the glory back to you?
As a previous special education teacher, I believe in writing smart goals.
So here is a template to help you write or revise the goals you have set at the beginning of the year.
Be specific (what are you trying to achieve, who is involved, what will happen when you achieve this goal).
Make it Measurable (how will you know you have reached the goal).
Is it Achievable (this is where being obedient comes into play, you may not have all the skills set required for the goal however I believe that God is a way maker and will always instruct you or place the necessary people in your life to accomplish your goal).
How is it Relevant ( What is the impact of this goal).
Time ( By when would like to have this goal accomplished).
Once you have set your smart goal, write it down. For those that don’t know I am a journal fanatic! I believe in writing my goals down, because that is what God’s word has instructed us to do.
“Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
That scripture is powerful and I know first hand about God’s promises and how they will come to past.
In my quiet time this week, God revealed this to me, planning is not pointless. Our plans should always be made with understanding that God is ultimately in control. And we should be flexible to his will. His guiding may not always follow our own, but he will always guide us in the right direction.
As we power through the remainder of the year, I want you to revisit your goals and seek God’s insight. Ask yourself was he ever initially part of the goal, or did you just want him to jump in and perform the miracle? This post is for all of us, me included to readjust our goals, putting God at the forefront and watch him transform our lives down to the most intricate details.
Father God my prayer tonight, is that you open up our hearts, we all have ambitious desires, but your Kingdom plan should come first, remind us of our purpose and instill goals that align with your plan for our lives. Govern the appropriate people around us and allow us to push one another in a way that will bring the glory back to you. Let our selfish ambitions diminish, as we walk on this path with you, saying your will not mine. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
Sistas On The Sofa 