How to Set Goals in Uncertain Times

In Proverbs 16:9 I read, “We should make plans, counting on God to direct us." (TLB)

God is not moved by my complaints, regrets, or wishes. But he is moved by my faith. Matthew 9:29 says, “According to your faith let it be done to you” (NIV).

I’ll know I’m acting in faith when I attempt to do something that I know that I couldn’t do in my own power, something that requires me to rely on God.

Goal setting is an act of faith. Many never set life goals because they fear failure and lack faith.

When I set a goal, it’s like saying, “God, with your help, I’m expecting to accomplish this specific task by this specific date.” That kind of goal is a statement of faith, and God honors faith.

When it comes to setting goals during difficult or uncertain times, especially because circumstances keep changing so quickly, then there are two things I can do.

First, I can do scenario goal setting. This means that I set up multiple goals and plans, depending on what scenario happens. For example, “I will do this by this date if this happens. On the other hand, I will do that by that date if that happens.”

Scenario goal setting is a legitimate way to plan for the future as I trust God during uncertain times. “We should make plans—counting on God to direct us” (Proverbs 16:9 TLB).

Second, I can focus on character goals rather than activity goals. In other words, I can set goals for what I want to be instead of what I want to do. Who do I want to be this time next year? How do I want to be different? How do I want to be more like Christ? What weakness do I want to work on?

No matter how out of control the world feels, I can always make the choice to change and grow to become the person I want to be.

It’s time to get to work! Stop wondering what “could be” and start moving in faith. The Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV). When I act in faith, God will honor my goals and help me reach the greatest goal: bringing glory to him.

In summary, I need to make plans counting on God to direct me. God is not moved by my complaints, regrets, or wishes. But he is moved by my faith. I’m acting in faith when I attempt to do something that I know that I couldn’t do in my own power, something that requires me to rely on God. Goal setting is an act of faith. When I set a goal, it’s like saying, “God, with your help, I’m expecting to accomplish this specific task by this specific date.” That kind of goal is a statement of faith, and God honors faith. When it comes to setting goals during difficult or uncertain times, there are two things I can do. First, I can do scenario goal setting. I set up multiple goals and plans, depending on what scenario happens. “I will do this by this date if this happens. On the other hand, I will do that by that date if that happens.” Scenario goal setting is a legitimate way to plan for the future as I trust God during uncertain times. Second, I can focus on character goals rather than activity goals. I can set goals for what I want to be instead of what I want to do. Who do I want to be this time next year? How do I want to be different? How do I want to be more like Christ? What weakness do I want to work on?  I can always make the choice to change and grow to become the person I want to be. Stop wondering what “could be” and start moving in faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please God”. When I act in faith, God will honor my goals and help me reach the greatest goal: bringing glory to him.

The final outcome of the plans I make is in God's hands. If this is so, why should I make plans?  In doing God's will, there must be partnership between my efforts and God's control. He wants me to use my mind, seek the advice of others, and to plan. The results are up to him. Planning, then, helps me act God's way. As I live for him, I ask for guidance as I plan, and then act on my plan as I trust him.