Tag: goal setting

Plan Your Weeks with God

Jeannie Waters36 Comments on Plan Your Weeks with God

Are you a planner or a wisher? Eleanor Roosevelt said, “It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.” 1   

I’m of the planner variety. I make lists beside my lists and, as my raised-on-the- farm husband says, “I grin like a mule eating briers” when I check off completed tasks. I enjoy the results for two reasons:   

  1. There’s one less item on the to-do list.
  2. I see progress toward a goal.

Some people prefer detailed planning systems. Others jot an informal to-do list for the next day or refer to a mental list as time and energy allow.

When December 31st arrives, we may have unmet goals, but if we plan instead of only wishing for improvement or progress, we’ll be more successful in meeting the goals we believe God wants us to accomplish. (In the last post, we considered Three Ways to Meet God-Given Goals .)

This time let’s consider planning our week’s agenda. Whether the to-do list is on paper or in our heads, planning propels us toward milestones and helps prevent the discouragement of missed targets.

In case you think I have this all figured out, I’ll confess. I don’t. Allow me to share three lessons God is teaching me.

white book page beside green potted plant

Three Lessons on Planning Our Weeks with God

1. I’m learning to pray and read the Bible before I make plans.

Prayer is a two-way communication blessing of speaking and listening. God promises to guide us. When we seek His wisdom first, He teaches us His ways.

Proverbs 16:9 reads, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Although using our minds to make plans is good practice, God knows the future and the plans He has for us. What seems right to us is limited by human understanding. In His sovereignty, God guides us toward His perfect plan.

2. I’m learning to hold my plans loosely and say,

 If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.

James 4:15 ESV (All Scripture in the post is from the ESV.)

James instructs us to make this statement after he warns believers to avoid a prideful view of planning. After all—as he reminds us—we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. God does. His plans never fail.

3. I’m learning to trust God and avoid frustration when plans go awry.

When I’m busy, hours seem to melt away like a snowman on a warm day. When my to-do list lingers at day’s end, disappointment sometimes leads to frustration and anxiety, but God is teaching me to trust Him even then.

Although He expects us to use our gifts and opportunities, He’s more interested in our love for Him than our accomplishments.

Consider the acrostic I composed as a reminder to plan my weeks with God and thank Him at the end of each day—for accomplished tasks and those I transfer to the next day.      

grey and black pen on calendar book

P.   L.   A.  N. the Week with God

P     Pray throughout the day and enjoy an ongoing conversation with God.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, emphasis mine

The prayer life of Jesus wasn’t limited to morning quiet times or red lights. When we pray without ceasing and pause from activity to listen, the Holy Spirit directs us through the day.

When we include God in our activities and seek His guidance, we can experience His peace whether we’ve made progress on our list or not.

When we include God in our activities and seek His guidance, we can experience His peace whether we’ve made progress on our list or not. Share on X

L     Learn the Word and listen to the Author.

When we memorize Scripture, we can use it to fight spiritual battles as the Holy Spirit brings a passage to mind. God’s Word equips us to stand against the enemy who attempts to thwart our plans to serve God.

 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7

A     Acknowledge your need for God and ask for His help.

The following verses remind us of our need:

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Proverbs 9:10

N     Notice the needs of others.

Although we strive to meet goals and stay on schedule, God sometimes puts someone in our path who needs our help, our time, or encouragement. We don’t want the busyness of our agenda to blind us to “divine interruptions.”

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

1 Peter 4:10
green plant on white printer paper

Planning our weeks with God strengthens our relationship with Him, and the results far outweigh wishing for success or improvement.

Please share how you’re planning with God this year or tell us about a time a “divine interruption” changed your day. Your comments help all of us.

Checklist, Check, Marketing, Project

For thought-provoking words on priorities and to-do lists, read Katherine Pasour’s post, What’s on Your List? .

1 https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/eleanor_roosevelt_379411

Three Ways to Meet God-Given Goals

Jeannie Waters26 Comments on Three Ways to Meet God-Given Goals

The first time I heard the following quote by Zig Ziglar, it caused deep thought, although the concept is simple. “If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.” We don’t take a trip—even to the grocery store—without considering our destination and the purpose for going.  

If we drove around in circles without a specific destination and purpose for our errand, we’d waste valuable time and fuel. (And we’d be hungry later.)  

During the first month of a new year, we often set new goals as we aim for success. Perhaps recently you’ve considered the process and devised plans to exercise more, save money, memorize Scripture, or otherwise improve your life.

During New Year’s celebrations in the past, I’d seek God’s guidance for my life and set out to meet goals I believed He wanted me to accomplish. But somehow, along the way, I’d lose focus and forget some of them. I stayed busy and often finished projects, learned new skills, and met new people–all worthy pursuits. But some of the most important God-given goals were not met.

When I sought God’s help, He began to teach me about seeking and fulfilling the plans He has for my life. Allow me to share what I’m learning.

Three Ways to Meet God-Given Goals

  1. Follow the example of Jesus.

While reading John 17, I paused at verse four. Shortly before His death, Jesus spoke to the Father. He said,

I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.

John 17:4 ESV

Like the earlier quote, this verse is comprehensible, but it provoked deep thought. Jesus accomplished the work God gave Him to do. Will I?

Jesus understood God’s plan, accepted His assignment, kept His aim on the goal, and fulfilled His purpose. God’s plan of redemption included Jesus dying on the cross for the sins of mankind. Mission accomplished.

Jesus only walked the dusty roads of this earth for about thirty-three years, yet He met the goal God had established by accomplishing all the Father designated for Him to do.

When I pondered this truth, I remembered God also assigned work for believers to do.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

What a staggering thought—before I surrendered my life to Christ, even before I was born, God planned good works for me to do—works that would honor Him and bless the people He’d place in my path.

When I meet Jesus face-to-face, will I be able to say I’ve accomplished all He’s given me to do?  How will I set goals and reach them in a way that pleases Him and reverberates into eternity for His sake?

How will I set goals and reach them in a way that pleases God and reverberates into eternity for His sake? Share on X

As always, the Word of God holds the answers to our questions and includes the life of Jesus which provides a pattern for us. Here’s an example.

A sunset-to-sunrise story from the life of Jesus illustrates the reason He accomplished the goals assigned to Him. One afternoon as the sun nestled into the horizon, many people brought the sick to Jesus. He laid His hands on each one and healed them.  At daybreak, He went to an isolated place, but the people found Him and tried to persuade Him to stay.

When they attempted to hinder His departure, He said,

I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.

Luke 4:43 ESV

Jesus continued His travels, not because He had no mercy for those who begged Him to stay, but because His eyes were riveted on the ultimate goal. Distractions and the pleas of others failed to divert His attention from God’s plan.

I imagined the tasks He could have chosen throughout His earthly ministry and how He could have spent His time. He could have physically righted more wrongs as He did when the money changers set up tables in the temple. He could have extended His lessons on the Scriptures, healed all the sick, or turned water into wine at every wedding.

But He didn’t. Jesus knew God’s truths, understood His mission and kept His eyes on the goal. Then He could say with confidence He’d accomplished the work the Father planned for Him.

Unlike Jesus, my eyes often drift away from God-designed goals toward tasks I want to do or feel I need to do. Jesus didn’t allow “good things” to hinder the “best thing.” His eyes remained focused on God-given goals. If I follow the example of Jesus, He will help me follow His plan.

2. Seek and follow God’s guidance through prayer and Bible study.

Through prayer and Bible study, we can discern God’s will for our lives, and with His power working in us, we can live in a way that pleases Him. His Spirit enables us to complete the work He gives us to do when we yield our weaknesses to His strength. He forgives us when we repent of sin and return to His plan. When our focus drifts or we’re tempted to go our own way, our wise Shepherd guides us toward the right path. What an exciting daily adventure to partner with Jesus as we do the work God assigned to us and meet His expectations.

3. Keep a journal about what God is teaching you.

Rather than praying and creating a finite list of goals in the early days of January, I recorded them in a journal along with questions, one goal per page. As God answers my questions and continues to teach and transform me, I’m adding notes and verses to each page. Recording truths He shows me secures my focus and helps me meet God-given goals for my life. I’m still learning, and I’m thankful God continues to teach me.

The year is still new. Eleven months stretch before us if the Lord wills. Let’s follow the example of Jesus by setting our aim on God’s plan for our lives, continuing to seek His guidance through prayer and Bible study, and taking notes as He teaches us. My prayer is that you and I will lean in close to our heavenly Father and “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14 ESV).

How do you determine God’s will for your life? Please share the ways you choose goals and plan to reach them.

Why New Year’s Resolutions Don’t Work

Jeannie Waters24 Comments on Why New Year’s Resolutions Don’t Work

Like most people, I made New Year’s resolutions for decades. Some of them lasted until April, and some of them . . . well, would you believe some ended January 2? Even with good intentions, the resolutions or promises we make to ourselves often disappear like wind-blown dandelion seeds.

Do these resolutions sound familiar?

  • Stop eating sugar.
  • Exercise daily.
  • Complete home projects.
  • Volunteer to help others.
  • Memorize Bible verses.

All worthy objectives, right? Sure. There’s not a bad intention on the list. Then why don’t we achieve them? I can only speak for myself.

3 Reasons Why I Failed at New Year’s Resolutions

Reason 1

Although I prayed for guidance, I often depended on my own strength and wisdom to achieve success. The energy of those power sources weakens quickly.

My solution

A few years ago, I decided to set annual and monthly goals after praying and asking God to reveal His plan for me. I now read books about planning and spend time reading my Bible daily. When I pray and trust God to lead me as I study His Word, I have His strength and wisdom.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

                                                                                                                                      –Psalm 32:8 ESV

Reason 2

A second problem I faced with resolutions was embracing too many goals and projects at once. I attempted too many “good things.” The lack of results brought frustration and fatigue.

My solution

God calls each born-again believer to love Him, to love others, to witness, to be kind, to help the poor, and to follow other Scriptural instructions. He also created us with unique gifts for His glory. Prayer, study, and conversations with trusted Christian friends can help us determine our gifts and the tasks we should accept or decline.

Eric Liddell, the famous runner whose story is told in the movie Chariots of Fire, said, “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” 1 This 1924 Olympic gold medal winner knew how to focus on the call of God rather than that of men and thus refused to run on Sunday. His goals not only included winning numerous races, but he served God faithfully for many years in China. (The Final Race by Eric T. Eichinger, with Eva Marie Everson, tells the amazing story of this famous man of faith. See link below.)

I want to focus on God’s call for me as Eric Liddell did. I know that God called me to be a wife, mother, and Gigi to my grandchildren. He also called me to write and to participate in two ministries to small groups of women. When I accept too many responsibilities beyond these, I revert to fatigue and frustration.

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

                                                                                                                                                       –Proverbs 16:9 ESV

Reason 3

Another problem with my resolutions was lack of clear goals.

My Solution

Specific, measurable goals provide targets and the hope of hitting them. Large projects and goals can be divided into bite-sized pieces and specifically stated. For example:

  • By 5:00 each Friday, file important paperwork.
  • Organize linen closet by January 15 and donate unneeded items.
  • Work out for 45 minutes at the gym Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Take a 30 minute walk each Saturday.
  • Memorize one verse or short passage of Scripture per week.

These goals are specific and measurable, as well as easier to manage. (For more information, see the link below to Your Best Year Ever by Michal Hyatt.) Writing out your goals and checking on progress periodically are helpful practices. Seeking God’s guidance is powerful.

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

                                                                                                                                                      –Proverbs 16:3  ESV

Tips for Goal Setting and Time Usage

  1. Seek God in morning prayer as Jesus did. Read a devotional, read Scripture, and pray. I refer to this time as my “morning appointment with God.”
  2. Hold your plans loosely. Interruptions may be divinely appointed.
  3. Plan “catch-up” times in each week as you will surely need them.
  4. Commit to the Lord whatever you do. Talk to Him as you complete each task.
  5. Remember that people are more important than tasks.
  6. List tasks for the week and then each night select the ones that must or could be done the following day.

Are you thinking I have it all together and merrily check off my to-do list each day? No way! Not even close! Some days I become frustrated, pitch a little “hissy fit” with myself, and feel like abandoning my goals. There are days when I feel like I haven’t accomplished anything at all. However, I’m learning and improving as I practice trusting God for results.

My January Advice

Don’t set New Year’s resolutions. Instead, ask God to guide you as you set reasonable goals you were designed to meet. See links for books I like.

Please share in the comment sections at the bottom how you set goals and organize your to-do list. I’d love to gather new ideas from reader friends.

Resources I Recommend for a Brand-New Year

(Click on a book cover below.)

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you decide to purchase a book via my link, I’ll receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) which will assist with blog costs. Clicking on the link will simply take you to Amazon so that you can read about the book.

An Interesting Read

This World War II era biography tells the story of Eric Liddell, the 1942 Olympic gold medalist runner, whose story was featured in the movie Chariots of Fire.  Authors Eric T. Eichinger and Eva Marie Everson go beyond Olympic fame to reveal Liddell’s life of service to God in the face of trials.

Goal Setting, Planning, Time Use

Doing Busy Better helps readers prioritize goals and seek God’s best while ending the frustration that comes from over-doing.

Michael Hyatt, an expert on goal setting and planning, shares an action plan for success in this easy-to-read book.

Devotionals

Sarah Young wrote this collection of one page devotions as if God is speaking to the reader.

Lucinda Secrest McDowell, one of my favorite authors, bases each devotion on a single word and uses it to help readers grow in faith.

1 https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/802465.Eric_Liddell