Greetings and Happy Holidays to each of you! I know that it’s been a while since I have added anything new to the blog. While I am disappointed that I have allowed so much time to pass, I know it is always important for us to extend grace to ourselves, so I am trying to put that into practice and not be too hard on myself…
As 2022 begins to wind down, many of us are reflecting on the new year, documenting our goals and aspirations, what changes we want to make, what we want to leave in the past, etc. (It is important to note that, while the end and beginning of the calendar year are popular times to set goals, goal-setting can certainly be done at any point in the year!)
One of the biggest mistakes that we can make when we begin to reflect on and set these goals, is thinking that we can accomplish them by ourselves. Operating with the absence of God and reliance on self, is not a place we want to find ourselves in. It is so important to be in partnership with our helper, the Holy Spirit, to find God’s direction and walk into his purpose for our lives.
The other mistake that we often make is not making sure the goals we set are aligned with his will. As believers, we have to discern whether or not the “worldview” of happiness or success is aligned with what the Bible says, and the direction we have from the Holy Spirit for us as individuals. Always remember that another person’s “success” story isn’t necessarily meant to be yours.
Making sure that we are taking these areas into consideration as we go through the exercise of setting goals, doesn’t mean that we will always get it right as we move along the path to accomplish those that we set, but God is always right there to open and close doors when we are taking initiative and action and remaining open to his guidance.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you are in the process of goal-setting:
- Will my goals bring God glory?
- Will my goals help others?
- Will my goals pull me away from spending time with God?
- Will my goals have eternal significance or impact on the kingdom?
- Where do I have a lack of peace?
- Where do I feel/hear God leading me?
- With no worldly distractions, what could I be doing?
Remember God has a plan and a purpose for your life. To bring Him glory and to share the Gospel. Meditate on what you think God wants you to do. God will direct your path, but He can’t do that until we step forward.
Bible Verses to Reflect On:
- Proverbs 16:3 – Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
- Proverbs 16:9 – In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
- John 14:26 – But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
- Mark 16:15 – He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
- Isaiah 43:7 – everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.
Thank you for taking the time to read today, I pray God’s blessings upon each and every one of you, in the name of Jesus!
