From Setbacks to Strength. Trusting God in unmet Goals. Proverbs 19:21
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
Before you sit down, say, “Hello” to someone.
"From Setbacks to Strength: Trusting God in Unmet Goals and Growing in Faith"
Opening Scripture
Turn in your Bible to Proverbs 19:21 and day, "Amen" when you are there.
"Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails."
Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Introduction
The end of the year brings reflection.
Maybe you started this year full of hope, setting big goals—dreams of advancing your career, strengthening relationships, growing spiritually, or overcoming challenges.
But as the months passed, you encountered roadblocks, and some goals remain unmet.
You may feel disappointed, frustrated, or even like a failure.
Here’s the good news: God is not finished with you. Unmet goals are not failures; they are stepping stones toward God’s ultimate plan for your life. Today, we’ll explore how to:
Acknowledge the pain of unmet goals,
Find hope in God’s sovereignty,
Grow spiritually through the challenges,
Step into the new year with renewed faith and purpose.
1. Acknowledge the Pain of Unmet Goals
Biblical Examples of Unmet Goals
Moses: After leading the Israelites for 40 years, Moses was not permitted to enter the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:4-5). It seemed unfair, yet God used Moses’ leadership to prepare Israel for the next chapter.
Paul: He longed to visit Rome earlier, but God delayed his plans. In that delay, Paul wrote letters that shaped the early Church (Romans 1:13).
It’s Okay to Grieve Unmet Expectations
Unmet goals can leave us questioning our worth or abilities. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Acknowledge your feelings, but don’t let them define you. Take them to God in prayer.
An Encouraging Story: A Setback Turned Opportunity
Sarah spent years saving to open a bakery, but an economic downturn forced her to postpone her plans. Heartbroken, she prayed for guidance. During that waiting season, she began hosting free baking classes at her church, teaching children and building community. When her bakery finally opened, it became more than a business—it became a ministry. Sarah learned that her delay wasn’t a failure but God’s preparation for something greater.
2. Trust God’s Sovereignty Over Your Plans
God Sees the Bigger Picture
Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours. What feels like failure to us may be part of His larger, perfect plan.
God Redeems All Things for Good
Romans 8:28 assures us that God works all things—even our disappointments—for the good of those who love Him.
Encouraging Story: Joseph’s Journey
Joseph’s life seemed like a series of failures. Sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph’s dreams appeared shattered. Yet, each setback was part of God’s preparation for his ultimate purpose—to save many lives during a famine. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph declares, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.”
God is not limited by our detours.
He turns even our lowest moments into stepping stones for His glory.
3. Grow Spiritually Through Unmet Goals
Setbacks Are Opportunities for Growth
James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Challenges teach us patience, dependence on God, and resilience.
Keep Your Eyes on the Eternal Goal
Philippians 3:13-14: “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.”
Life’s ultimate goal is not about material success but growing in Christlikeness and advancing His Kingdom.
Encouraging Story: The Athlete’s Lesson
David was a talented athlete with dreams of competing in the Olympics. After narrowly missing qualification, he felt crushed. But in his disappointment, he turned to God. He began coaching young athletes, mentoring them not only in sports but in faith. Over time, David realized his greatest impact wasn’t winning medals but shaping lives.
4. Step Into the New Year with Renewed Faith
Release the Past to God
Psalm 55:22: “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.” Let go of regret and trust God with your unmet goals.
Set God-Aligned Goals
Matthew 6:33: “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Prayerfully ask, “God, what do You want to accomplish in my life this year?”
Stay Rooted in God’s Word
Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Let Scripture guide your decisions and refresh your spirit daily.
Let me share another story.
A New Perspective
Maria, a nurse, dreamed of working overseas but faced visa delays. Frustrated, she started volunteering at a local clinic, where she discovered a deeper passion for serving her community. By the end of the year, Maria founded a nonprofit that brought medical care to underserved neighborhoods. Her unmet goal became a launching pad for a new calling.
Altar Call: Surrendering Unmet Goals to God
As we close the year, reflect on these questions:
What unmet goals are you still holding on to?
Are you ready to release them to God and trust His plan for your life?
Do you need to refocus on Him and seek His guidance for the year ahead?
Invitation to Prayer
I invite you to come forward if:
You’re carrying the weight of unmet goals and need to surrender them to God.
You’re seeking direction for the new year and want to align your plans with His purpose.
You’re ready to renew your relationship with Christ or take the first step of faith.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for walking with us through every season—the triumphs and the trials. We bring our unmet goals and disappointments before You, trusting that You will use them for our good and Your glory. Renew our faith, refresh our hope, and help us to walk boldly into the new year, knowing You are in control. May we seek Your Kingdom first, grow in Your Word, and trust in Your perfect plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Encouragement
Unmet goals are not the end of your story—they are chapters in the greater story God is writing in your life.
Trust Him, and step into the new year with confidence, knowing that the One who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6).
Keep striving, keep trusting, and watch God turn every disappointment into a testimony of His faithfulness!
