HOW TO SET A FAITH GOAL

I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above. Philippians 3:13-14 (NCV)

You exercise faith by setting goals. Goals are statements of faith by which you say, “I believe God wants me to accomplish something by a certain date.” If you don’t have a date, it’s not a goal; it’s just a wish, a dream, a desire. Wishes are a dime-a-dozen. The only thing that will change your life is setting a goal. You have to wake up from the dream and go to work! A “FAITH” goal has five characteristics: Focused: That means it is specific. If you use the words “more” or “less,” it’s not a focused goal. “I want to be more like Jesus” or “I want to weigh less” are not goals because you can’t measure them. A goal must be specific. For example, “I will have a quiet time for five minutes every day for the next month;” or “I will lose ten pounds in thirty days.” Those are FAITH goals. Attainable: It must be possible and practical. If you set an unrealistic goal, it’s just going to discourage you. If you say, “I’m going to pray three hours a day,” you’re setting yourself up for failure. Set a goal that stretches you without breaking you, and then trust God to help you stretch. Individual: That means it’s personal. You cannot set goals for other people, because you can’t control them. You can only set goals for yourself. Trackable: Trackable goals can be measured and verified. Your goal needs a deadline. Without a date, it’s not a goal. Heartfelt: You’ll never reach a passionless goal. If you don’t have a deep desire to do it, don’t set it. Goals will give life to the dreams you’ve given up for dead. Take a look at the dreams you’ve given up on. Add a goal, and see what God can do.