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.”
Isaiah 40:31 promises, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”
Encouraging Story: Persevering in Faith
Consider Ruth, a widow from a small village who dreamed of opening a bakery to support her children. After years of saving, her bakery was destroyed in a storm days before opening. Though heartbroken, Ruth leaned on her faith. With the help of her church and community, she rebuilt, and her bakery became a thriving business. Her perseverance inspired others in her village to pursue their dreams despite hardships.
4. Pressing Toward the Eternal Prize
Focus on Eternal Goals
While earthly goals are important, they should ultimately point to eternal values—glorifying God, serving others, and fulfilling His purpose.
Colossians 3:2 encourages us, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Accountability Helps Us Grow
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Surround yourself with a community that will pray with you and hold you accountable.
Altar Call: Surrendering Your Goals to God
As we enter this new year, let’s take time to reflect:
Are there dreams God has placed in your heart that you’ve been hesitant to pursue?
Are there fears or failures that you need to surrender to Him?
Most importantly, have you committed your life to the ultimate goal—knowing and serving Christ?
Invitation to Prayer
Come forward if:
You need wisdom or clarity for your goals.
You want to surrender fears or obstacles that are holding you back.
You’re ready to take the first step in a relationship with Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of a new year and for the dreams and goals You place in our hearts. Help us to align them with Your will, to persevere through challenges, and to trust You with every step. Strengthen us to press toward the prize of Your calling in Christ Jesus. May our lives glorify You in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Encouragement
As you step into this year, remember Maria, David, Ruth, and countless others who trusted God to bring their goals to fruition.
With God, nothing is impossible.
Dream big, step forward in faith, and watch what God will do. Your story could be the testimony that inspires someone else to press toward their God-given goal!
