How to Set Goals With God
Setting goals can feel exciting — and also overwhelming. We want to do well, stay on track, and move forward. But as women of faith, our goals aren’t just about what we want. They’re about what God wants with us.
If you’re ready to set goals that are aligned with God’s heart, here are a few gentle steps to help you walk with Him every step of the way.
1. Start With Prayer
Before you write anything down, pause. Ask God to show you what He wants for this season. Sometimes our goals are rooted in pressure or comparison. But God’s plans bring peace. You can pray something like:
“Lord, help me see what matters most to You. Guide my goals so they reflect Your will, not just my wants.”
2. Listen Before You Plan
God often speaks through stillness or Scripture. Take time to listen. Journal what comes to your heart — it might be a word, a theme, or even just a feeling of clarity around a certain area of life.
Don’t rush this step. Meaningful goals are born from stillness with God, not from the pressure to plan perfectly.
3. Write Goals That Reflect Faith, Not Just Achievement
It’s okay to have goals for your health, finances, or career. When you set goals, ask yourself:
Will this goal draw me closer to God?
Will it serve others in love?
Does it reflect a heart of humility and trust?
For example you can set goals as:
“Spend 10 minutes each morning in the Word” instead of “Read the Bible in 3 months”
“Show kindness daily at work” instead of “Get promoted in 6 weeks”
4. Make It Specific — and Surrendered
Goals with God are both clear and surrendered. That means you know the direction, but you trust Him with the timing and the outcome.
Write down what you feel led to pursue. Then say, “God, this is Yours. Help me walk in it if it’s Your will — and close the door if it’s not.”
5. Break It Into Small Steps
Small steps matter. Don’t try to leap into a new life overnight. Ask, “What’s one faithful thing I can do this week?” God honors consistency more than intensity. Proverbs 16:9 says, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”
Let Him guide you one step at a time.
6. Keep Checking In With God
Setting goals with God isn’t a one-time moment. It’s a rhythm. As you move forward, keep coming back to Him. Ask:
Is this still where You want me?
Do I need to pause, pivot, or press on?
Am I still doing this with You — or in my own strength?
God is not just the beginning of your plan — He’s the one walking with you through it all.
7. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Results
When you show up in faith, that’s already a win in God’s eyes. Celebrate each small step along the way. You don’t need to be perfect — just present. Walk in grace, not pressure. God isn’t asking for perfect goals.
Setting goals with God isn’t about striving — it’s about surrender. It’s about living a life with purpose. So as you dream, plan, and move forward, do it prayerfully, patiently, and with open heart. Because when God is in your goals, peace will follow — no matter how long the journey takes.
