If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had big dreams, bold goals, and a to-do list longer than the line at Chick-fil-A during lunch hour.
But sometimes, no matter how hard we try, it feels like we’re spinning our wheels. Why is that?
Maybe it’s because we’re missing the most crucial step: aligning our goals with God’s will.
The world’s way of “goal-setting” tells us to hustle harder, push faster, and “manifest” our dreams.
But as believers, we’re called to do things differently. Instead of striving, we’re invited to pray, plan, and pursue.
Let’s break down how you can align your goals with God’s will so you’re walking in purpose, not just productivity.
(You can download a printable version of this page at the very end.)
Pray Before You Plan
This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how often we skip this step.
We’re so eager to “get started” that we forget to seek guidance from the One who already knows the end from the beginning.
Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
Did you catch that? He will establish your plans.
Not you. Not Google. Not your 5-year plan. God.
How to Pray Over Your Goals:
- Ask for clarity: “Lord, what would You have me do in this season of my life?”
- Listen for guidance: Prayer isn’t just talking — it’s listening too. Pay attention to the still, small voice, recurring scriptures, or even godly advice from trusted mentors.
- Surrender control: Be ready to let go of goals that aren’t in line with His will. This can be hard, especially if it’s something you’ve been dreaming about for a long time. But God’s “no” is always a “yes” to something better.
Reflection: Have you taken the time to pray over your goals, or have you been running full speed ahead with your own agenda?
Plan with Purpose
Once you’ve spent time in prayer, it’s time to make a plan.
Yes, God wants us to use wisdom, strategy, and preparation to achieve our goals.
Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
Planning isn’t just “busy work” — it’s a biblical principle.
How to Create a God-Aligned Plan:
- Write it down: Habakkuk 2:2 tells us to “write the vision and make it plain.” Jot down your goals in a notebook, planner, or a simple Word document. When you see it on paper, it becomes real.
- Break it into steps: God gives us “lamps to our feet,” not floodlights for the whole journey (Psalm 119:105). Take the first small step you can see and trust that God will show you the next step when it’s time.
- Check for alignment: Ask yourself, “Does this goal align with God’s Word, His character, and His calling on my life?” If not, it’s time to adjust it.
Pro Tip: Use the SMART goal method (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) but add an extra “G” for God-focused. For example, instead of “I want to make $10k a month,” shift it to “I want to build a God-honoring business that blesses others and allows me to tithe generously.”
Reflection: Are you making detailed plans, or are you just “winging it” and hoping for the best?
Pursue with Patience
Now comes the part that trips most of us up — the pursuit.
It’s easy to start strong and then fizzle out when things get hard or progress feels slow.
Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Here’s the truth: God’s timing is not our timing.
You might think, “I’ve been working at this goal for months, and nothing’s happening!”
But God’s “not yet” is not a “no.” Delays are often times of preparation and growth.
How to Pursue with Patience:
- Take consistent action: Small, consistent actions lead to big results over time. Keep planting seeds even when you don’t see fruit right away.
- Trust God’s timing: Instead of focusing on how fast you’re moving, focus on obedience. Are you doing what God asked you to do today? If so, that’s success.
- Don’t quit: If you’re sure that God has called you to it, keep going. Push past feelings of doubt, insecurity, and impatience.
Reflection: Are you giving up too soon just because you don’t see immediate results?
How Do You Know If Your Goal is Aligned with God’s Will?
Here are a few “checkpoints” to make sure your goal isn’t just a good idea — it’s a God idea:
- Does it bring glory to God? (1 Corinthians 10:31)
- Does it require faith? (Hebrews 11:6)
- Does it benefit others, not just you? (Philippians 2:3-4)
- Does it give you peace? (Philippians 4:6-7)
If the answer is “yes” to these questions, you’re on the right track. If not, it’s time to pause, pray, and pivot as needed.
Reflection
Friend, aligning your goals with God’s will isn’t about perfection. It’s about surrender.
When you pray, plan, and pursue with God as your guide, you’ll experience more peace, clarity, and purpose than you ever could chasing “success” the world’s way.
Don’t let fear or doubt keep you stuck.
God’s Word says, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.” (Psalm 138:8)
- Have you been praying about your goals or pushing forward without seeking God’s guidance?
- Do your current goals bring glory to God, or are they focused on self-promotion?
- Are you trusting God’s timing, or are you trying to rush the process?
- How can you take small, consistent steps toward your goals this week?
- Is fear or doubt keeping you from taking the next step? How can you surrender that to God today?
If He’s called you to it, He’s going to help you see it through. Trust Him with every goal, every plan, and every step of the pursuit.
You’ve got this — because He’s got you.
Be sure to download a printable version of this page to keep in your journal!
Be sure to also read: The Ultimate Guide to Setting SMART-G Spiritual Goals
Looking for some additional resources for studying the Bible? Here is an extensive library of (free) monthly topical Bible reading plans.
