As the new year begins, the desire to set new goals and resolutions often fills our hearts and minds. The start of 2025 feels like a fresh slate – an opportunity to dream big, improve health, strengthen relationships, or grow spiritually. However, it can be overwhelming. There’s pressure to hit the ground running and stay committed to these goals for months to come. What happens when life inevitably gets in the way? When, despite our best efforts, we arrive at a crossroad and are faced with the decision to pivot? There is profound peace in remembering that we don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
Surrendering Our Plans to God
Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that “A man’s heart plans his course, but Yahweh directs his steps.” (WEB) While goal setting is important, true fulfillment is when we surrender those plans to God. His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8), but His guidance is trustworthy and good. Always. Surrendering to His plans doesn’t necessarily mean we abandon our efforts; rather, it means inviting God to shape and direct our goals according to His perfect will. To redirect us when we veer off course. Or to carve out a new course for us altogether when necessary. When we surrender our goals to God, we experience:
Clarity: God aligns our hearts with what truly matters.
Peace: We release the burden of control, knowing He leads the way.
Purpose: Our goals are infused with greater meaning.
Setting Realistic, Faith-Driven Goals
Though we surrender our plans to God, it’s still important to remember that setting realistic and intentional goals is a reflection of stewardship. We can still dream and plan – we simply remain flexible in the hands of our Creator while He gently nudges us in the right direction. Consider using the following steps to guide your goal-setting process:
Pray First. Before setting your goals, seek God’s wisdom in prayer. James 1:5 (WEB) says, “if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Ask Him to reveal areas of your life that need growth or change.
Focus on Growth, Not Perfection. This is a big one, and it’s been an obstacle for me in the past. We will never be perfect of our own accord; we are made perfect through the blood of Jesus. Don’t expect perfection but instead set goals that encourage steady growth. Don’t sweat it when you don’t meet your goals and remember to celebrate any positive change that comes from working hard to meet them.
Include Spiritual Goals. Beyond physical or professional aspirations, set goals that grow your faith. This might include reading the Bible more consistently, serving your community, or deepening your prayer life. Don’t forget to keep spiritual growth central to your journey.
Hold Goals Loosely. It’s good to plan, but it’s important to be open to God’s redirection. Sometimes His plans far exceed our wildest imaginations. It’s important to be committed while staying open-minded to God’s plans, which may differ from our own. He has better plans for us than we will ever have for ourselves.
Celebrate Small Wins. Celebrate any progress you make, even if it’s incremental. Each small step forward is a victory and recognizing this can keep you motivated to keep going. If you’re committing your plans to God, then each small victory is part of His greater plan. And that is worth celebrating.
Reflect on God’s Will
As you map out your goals for 2025, reflect on Proverbs 19:21, “There are many plans in a man’s heart, but Yahweh’s counsel will prevail.” (WEB) Take comfort in the fact that His promises are good, and His will is being accomplished in your life. Keep going in the confidence that God has control of every situation, and that He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). This year, challenge yourself to trust God with your dreams, goals, and ambitions.
Would you like my free goal-setting worksheet that helps you prayerfully map out your goals for the year? Download it here.
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