Pressing On Toward The Goal. Philippians 3:13-14

Stand with me and lift up your Bible and repeat after me.

This is my Bible

I am what it says I am.

I can do what it says I can do.

I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.

Today I will learn more of the word of God.

The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.

I will never be the same.

I will never be the same.

In Jesus Name

Pressing Toward the Goal: Setting and Achieving Godly Goals in the New Year"

Turn with me in your Bibles to Philippians 3:13-14 and say, "Amen" when you are there.

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Introduction

As we enter a new year, we often look back with gratitude—or perhaps regret—and look ahead with hope for what could be. This is a season where we seek fresh beginnings, but how do we ensure our goals align with God’s will?

Today, I want to encourage you: no matter what lies behind or ahead, God has plans for you, and He will equip you to fulfill them if you trust Him.

Let me share the story of Maria, a single mother. For years, she felt stuck in a cycle of working multiple jobs and barely getting by. She longed to return to school but didn’t see how it could happen. One day, after prayer, Maria felt God nudge her to take a step of faith. She applied to a local college, trusting Him for provision. Through scholarships, unexpected help from her church, and sheer perseverance, Maria graduated and started a career in social work, helping others in her community. Her story shows how trusting God and moving forward with faith can lead to the fulfillment of even the most daunting goals.

1. The Importance of Setting Godly Goals

Biblical Examples of Goal Setting

Jesus: His mission was clear—to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). Everything He did was intentional, pointing to the ultimate goal of the cross and resurrection.

Paul: His life was laser-focused on spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. He pressed on, despite unimaginable challenges, to fulfill God’s calling on his life (Romans 15:20).

Why Goals Matter

Proverbs 29:18 reminds us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

Setting goals provides clarity, keeps us on track, and ensures that our lives are lived purposefully, not passively.

Encouraging Story: God's Vision for Your Life

A young man named David always dreamed of becoming a teacher, but he struggled with dyslexia, making academics a constant battle. For years, he avoided pursuing his dream until he heard a sermon about God’s power being made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). David surrendered his insecurities to God, worked hard, and eventually graduated with honors. Today, he’s not just a teacher but a mentor to other students with learning disabilities, showing them that nothing is impossible with God.

2. Aligning Goals with God’s Will

Seek First His Kingdom

Before setting goals, ask yourself: Are these aligned with God’s plan for my life?

Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Steps to Align Goals with God’s Will

Pray for Wisdom: James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Listen for His Voice: Spend time in His Word and quiet your heart to hear His direction.

Write It Down: Habakkuk 2:2 encourages us to “write the vision and make it plain.” Writing down goals turns dreams into actionable steps.

Surrender Your Plans: Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Be flexible to God’s adjustments.

Encouraging Story: When God Redirects Our Plans

A couple, James and Emma, felt called to serve as missionaries in South America. They spent years preparing, but every door seemed to close. Discouraged, they prayed for clarity. That’s when God opened an unexpected opportunity to work with refugees in their own city. Their ministry has since flourished, touching hundreds of lives. Sometimes, God redirects our plans to align them with His greater purpose.

3. Overcoming Obstacles and Staying the Course

Expect Challenges

Paul faced shipwrecks, imprisonment, and opposition but kept his eyes on the goal (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

Challenges will come, but they are opportunities to trust God more deeply.

God’s Strength in Our Weakness

Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”