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DAY 4: How do I make my goals happen and not overstep God’s will? 

You’re standing at the starting line, you want to get after God-led goals, and…. you’re afraid. You’re scared to take action on those goals, getting so focused on achieving them that you edge God out in the process. How do you keep your focus on God and achieving your goals at the same time?

First of all, the right goals will lead you on His paths, in His ways, not away from Him.

Second, you’re not going to set a goal and coast from there. God wants you to stay connected to Him every step of the way, and He’ll guide you. Ultimately, He is the goal. Following the purposes He has for us is like following a map He created. He knows the way.

Just like you would do on a long road trip, keep checking the map to be sure you’re headed in the right direction. If you lose sight of the plan, you might find yourself on an unfamiliar street. But, pick it right back up again, and you’ll get back on track! God isn’t concerned about whether or not you achieve perfect progress in a goal; He wants your heart. And step by step, prayer by prayer, moment by moment as you seek Him, you will stay on the right path. Connection with Him will keep you in check with Him.

Pray with me: Lord, I’m afraid to set out on a path that’s not yours. Please give me a spirit not of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). Thank you for the map—Your Word—and for the ability to pray directly to You! Please help me to stay focused on You as my goal instead of the approval of others, accolades, or the pleasure of checking things off a list. I want to work hard for You for the right reasons. Thank you for guiding me and keeping me on Your path! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Scripture:

Psalm 37:4-5 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
John 15: 4-5 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
James 4:13-15 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.
God + Goals: How to Set Goals As A Christian by Lara Casey log on to www.cultivatewhatmatters.com for more information.