Exercise Faith by Setting Goals

In Proverbs 17:24 I read, “An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions." (GNT)

Most of what I do on a daily basis won’t matter in five minutes, much less five years. It may hurt to admit it, but myself—along with everyone else—do a lot that really doesn’t matter.

To achieve my dreams, I need to decide what really matters and what will last in my life. Then, focus on that. The Bible says, “An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions” (Proverbs 17:24 GNT).

Once I’ve figured out what matters most, set goals big enough to require faith. Jesus says in Matthew 9 that he will bless me as much as I want. His blessing depends on the size of my faith. He says, “According to your faith let it be done to you” (Matthew 9:29 NIV).

God is telling me to choose my cup—and he’ll fill it. Whether I have a little teacup, a five-gallon jug, or a 100-gallon barrel of faith, God will fill it up according to my faith. How much I trust God determines how much God blesses me.

I exercise faith by setting goals on the way to accomplishing my dream. I set a goal when I say, “God, I believe you’re telling me that you want me to accomplish this by a particular date. It’s really going to stretch me to do it, but I believe this is what I need to do.”

What is a goal set in F.A.I.T.H.? It is:

Focused: It’s specific—something I can measure.

Attainable: It’s possible and practical. If I set an unrealistic goal, I won’t accomplish it.

Individual: It’s personal. I can’t set goals for others. I have ownership over my own goals, not someone else’s.

Trackable: My goal needs a deadline. Without a date on it, it’s not a goal.

Heartfelt: Never set a goal I’m not passionate about. I’ll only accomplish goals that I really desire to reach.

Are there dreams I’ve given up for dead? Goals will give them new life. Take a look at the dreams I’ve given up on. Add a goal, and see what God can do.

In summary, most of what I do on a daily basis won’t matter in five minutes, much less five years. I do a lot that really doesn’t matter. To achieve my dreams, I need to decide what really matters and what will last. Then, focus on that. God’s word reminds me that an intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions. Once I’ve figured out what matters most, set goals big enough to require faith. Jesus says in Matthew 9 that God will bless me as much as I want. His blessing depends on the size of my faith. He says, “According to your faith let it be done. God is telling me to choose my cup—and he’ll fill it. He will fill it up according to my faith. How much I trust God determines how much God blesses me. I exercise faith by setting goals on the way to accomplishing my dream. I set a goal when I say, “God, I believe you’re telling me that you want me to accomplish this by a particular date. It’s really going to stretch me to do it, but I believe this is what I need to do.” A goal set in F.A.I.T.H. is: Focused: It’s specific—something I can measure. Attainable: It’s possible, practical and personal. Trackable: My goal needs a deadline. Heartfelt: A goal I’m passionate about. So today I should take a look at the dreams I’ve given up on. Add a goal, and see what God can do.

While there is something to be said for having big dreams, this proverb points out the folly of chasing fantasies (having eyes that "start off in many directions"). How much better to align my goals with God's, being the kind of person he wants me to be! Such goals (wisdom, honesty, patience, love) may not seem exciting, but they will affect every area of your life. Take time to think about my dreams and goals, and make sure they cover what is really important.