Learn How to Set Goals God's Way

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Hebrews 12:1-2 is one of my favorite scripture because it gives me such a practical strategy for my life. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your to-do list? The mountain of half-completed projects or books half read. Maybe you’re like me and your mind races from one thing to the next, neglecting or missing the moments right in front of me – more importantly, missing God’s plan for me.

Drop the Weight

As we are learning how to set our goals, it’s imperative that we do Hebrews 12:1 first. It says to lay aside every weight and sin. So, let’s discuss the weights first. I have labeled myself a recovering perfectionist because it’s a part of my personality that I have to constantly fight with. However, perfectionism can be a huge weight on us since, (news flash), perfection is a mirage never to be attained!

Another weight can be being a people pleaser. 🙋🏻‍♀️ We can get so focused on pleasing others that we lose ourselves and get diverted off the path that we’re supposed to be on. We are called to serve others but not please them.

What are some weights that are holding you back from reaching your God-given goals and desires? It might help to take some time and journal about those weights that are not serving you.

Bring the Joy

Jesus is our example of how we are to live our lives and approach our goals. Verse 2 of Hebrews says, “for the joy that was set before Him.” This life is meant to be joyful and abundant, but that is only possible by abiding in Him. Another one of my favorite passages of scripture is John 15 where Jesus talks about Him being the vine and that our joy is found when we abide in Him.

So the next item in setting goals God’s way is making sure that when we are leaving the weights behind, we’re not leaving Jesus. Remember that John 15:5 says that without Him, we can do NOTHING! At least nothing that is worth doing.

I want to encourage you to download the vision board and goal planner sheets that I have made available for you, and read last week’s blog or this week’s podcast linked above for instructions on how to use them.

Press Toward Your Goal

The last part of setting your goals is to press through the obstacles that will try to stop you. How many of you have made a goal just to have everything seem to come against you and sabotage that goal till you throw up your hands in surrender and give up?

We’ve all been there! That’s why Philippians 3:12-14 is so encouraging. Paul writes, “I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Doesn’t that sound a lot like Hebrews 12:1-2? Dropping the weight – forgetting those things which are behind you. Forget about the past and the times you tried and failed. This is a new season in your life and a new day! You may have messed up yesterday, but today is new and His mercies are new today! Praise God!

When you press into something, you have to lean in and give some effort. Our goals and desires – the plan that God has for us will not automatically happen. Part of the human condition is to take the path of least resistance –appease our flesh. Who wants to work for something? Well, if the prize is worth it, you will sacrifice and do what is needed to claim that prize. Declare today:

🎉 I won’t give up! I won’t give in! I’ll press toward my goal and I will win! 🎉

Now say it like you mean it and put action to your words. What is something small you can do today to move you toward that goal? Break down each of your goals into bite-sized mini-goals that you can achieve daily. Those daily victories will build momentum in your life till you see obtain the prize!

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