[x_custom_headline type=”left” level=”h4″ looks_like=”h4″]Almost everyone makes some sort of resolution for the New Year, or sets goals of some kind or another. Some set goals in the natural arena, for things like losing weight, exercising more regularly, learning another language or musical instrument, finishing their degree, and so on.[/x_custom_headline]
Others make goals based upon their walk with Christ, which I strongly believe should be made. For example, I believe people should set a goal to read through the Bible in the New Year. Other great goals are being consistent in church attendance, winning souls, getting more involved in the Ministry of Helps at your church, and being faithful, and even increasing, in your tithes and offerings.
So really, setting goals and resolving to be a doer of the Word of God is a good thing, if in fact you plan to attain them. Because setting them alone won’t be enough to get you to the place of the completion of those goals. So I want to show you from the Bible how to attain them.
But first let me explain what the biblical approach to goals really is. Goals are really a vision for our New Year that we can pursue, and so that we can keep ourselves on track.
[x_blockquote cite=”Proverbs 29:18 KJV” type=”left”]“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”[/x_blockquote]
What God is saying in this verse is, that vision provides the necessary borders for our life. They keep us from getting so far off course that nothing gets accomplished in our lives, which sadly, is often the testimony of many people.
But there are other things required to attaining your goals in the New Year besides just having a vision. First, you have to forget some things, and next you have to reach forward for some things. The verse below will show you what I am talking about.
[x_blockquote cite=”Philippians 3:13-14 KJV” type=”left”]“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”[/x_blockquote]
Forgetting the past doesn’t mean that you suddenly have amnesia and can no longer remember yesterday, or last year, or past experiences. What forgetting in this verse really means is that you no longer choose to consider those things, or add them into the equation, when calculating whether or not you can achieve your God-given dreams and goals. You’ll have to lay aside all of your past failures and disappointments to move forward into the blessing of a New Year, as well as to attain the goals you have set.
Next, you have to keep reaching forward. Backward thinking believers have no forward motion in their lives. This is why forgetting the things behind you comes before you can successfully reach for those things God has placed in your future.
Reaching forward is like running a race, reaching for the finish line. In other words, you are not just running for the sake of running alone. You are running to complete the race and to win. You are running to achieve every single God-given goal He has placed within your heart for the New Year.
But to be honest, you will face opposition. There are always obstacles that are designed by the enemy to hinder your attaining the goals you have set. But the good news is, that God always has the answer for overcoming every obstacle. So below I have listed some of the hindrances you will likely have to deal with, as well as the Bible verse that deals with that particular issue.
[x_custom_headline type=”center” level=”h3″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”true”]SOME HINDERANCES TO ATTAINING YOUR GOALS[/x_custom_headline]
- Failure to involve God in your plans, or a failure to follow His plans.
Proverbs 3:5-6
2. Taking your commitments lightly.
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
Far too many Christians are all talk and no action.
3. A loose life.
A. Looseness in thoughts.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
B. Looseness in habits.
Hebrews 12:1
C. Looseness in life.
1 Peter 2:1
4. Laziness
1 Corinthians 9:27
You will never accomplish your goals if you are ruled by your body, or allow laziness and procrastination to dominate you.
5. Lack of Investment
Psalm 1:3
You have to do something with your goals for them to ever be achieved.
6. Always comparing yourself with others.
2 Corinthians 10:12
7. The desire to quit.
Galatians 6:9
I believe that this New Year will be your best year ever! So decide today to go big for God by growing your faith to new levels, and by stretching yourself beyond all other previous years. You will be rewarded greatly if you do.
