“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.” James 1:5 NIV
How do you set goals? When I start the goal-setting process by asking God, I am more likely to complete the task and feel better about what I accomplish. God-centered goals start with asking God. We need His perspective. He’s the One who created us for His purposes. He chose you and appointed you to bear fruit that will last. (John 15:16)
When you begin by seeking God, you will set goals that are satisfying and fulfilling. Asking God for wisdom leads you to choices that help you become all that He designed you to be.
Seeking God first keeps you on track. Your time in His presence reminds you of what is truly important. God-centered goals grow a God-centered life. A God-centered life is the abundant life overflowing with joy even when circumstances are less than perfect.
In the seeking, you will also get to know Him better. God-centered goals keep God at the center. Simple, right? What happens when God is at the center? You do what pleases Him. You experience the delight of pleasing your Heavenly Father and feeling His pleasure. It’s indescribable, but also unmistakable. When you please God, you know it. You may question it, but you can tell the feeling is different. If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if He hears us, we know that we have what we have asked for. (1 John 5:16)
Asking God to help you set your goals keeps you aligned with His redemptive mission for humanity. Even simple goals can align with the Big Mission. When you set God-centered goals you get to be a part of God’s mission on earth. You get to help people know Him. That’s worth the effort of seeking Him first!
Dear friend, through this process of asking God to guide you in setting goals that honor Him you will deepen your relationship with Him. You may get off track from time to time, but as you return to Him and seek Him you will get back on track. When you keep God at the center, you will join in His mission, set and achieve goals that line up with His will, become who He designed you to be and deepen your relationship with Him. Why wouldn’t you ask?
“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT
Key Question: What’s the benefit of God-centered goals?
A Scripture to Consider: “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.” James 1:5 NIV
A YES Challenge: How are you doing on reaching the goals you set? Plan a time of prayer to check in with God and ensure you are on the path He has chosen for you. Be prepared to make the adjustments or receive any encouragement He gives you.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for guiding me every step of my journey. I want to honor You in every venture. Keep my eyes focused on the way You have chosen for me. Help me continue to seek You and Your strength, to seek Your presence continually and complete the good works You have prepared in advance for me to do. I can’t do that without continually seeking You. My life is Yours. Have Your way. Amen.