# 3 A New You 4 The New Year - Setting Goals that Align with God’s Purposes

Introduction: A young teenager was so burdened by seeing the number of families living below the poverty level in his neighborhood that he stated to dream about starting a community. It wasn’t just an ordinary goal—it was a “God-sized” one. He too came from a low-income family, had no experience in leadership, and absolutely no funding. The idea felt far beyond his reach, but He was inspired by a deep conviction that this center could transform lives.

He said that he started small. He shared his vision with a few friends and community members. Many doubted it could happen, but a few believed in the dream. He said that we prayed together and took small steps: organizing fundraisers, reaching out to local businesses, and applying for grants. Doors began to open unexpectedly. A local church offered space to host our first events, and a retired architect volunteered to design the center.

It wasn’t easy—there were moments of setbacks, like funding delays and zoning challenges. But each time, I leaned into prayer and trusted that this goal was bigger than me. Over five years, what started as an impossible dream became a reality. The community center opened its doors, offering after-school programs, vocational training, and a food pantry. Today, it serves hundreds of families each year.

This young man said that this experience taught him that setting "God-sized" goals requires faith, action, and perseverance. He said that it also reminded him that when a goal aligns with God’s purpose, He provides the resources and people to make it happen—even if it feels impossible at first.

As I read that story my mind went to the ministry that Amy Privitt started right here in our own community. Cup of Grace was a God-sized goal. Amy was unable to do it alone. God has been with her through it all and stand back and see what this ministry has done here in Spirit Lake and surrounding areas. Thank you, Amy, for trusting God to work right here in Spirit Lake.

Today I want to talk about setting, activating, and achieving God-sized goals. Setting goals that we set know are God-given and can only be accomplished when God shows us. There are five points, and you will want to take notes.

1. God’s Power Fuels God-Sized Goals – Ephesians 3:20

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.

Two additional verses that speak to me about God’s power are (Note the events that these two verses cover):

· Genesis 18:14 – Is anything too hard for the LORD?

· Luke 1:37 – For with God nothing will be impossible.

Imagine trying to power an electric car with an AA battery. It simply won’t work because the source isn’t sufficient for the task. Similarly, self-focused goals are often limited by human effort. God-sized goals, however, are powered by the limitless strength of the Holy Spirit.

How can we develop some God sized goals? I would suggest that we begin by praying:

· Asking God to reveal His goals for your life.

· Don’t limit your prayers to what seems possible—ask boldly for God’s will to be done in your life.

· Take a day and get away where you can be distraction free to plan out your goals.

Set personal goals in the following key areas of your life:

· Marriage –

· Family (if you are raising kids) –

· Health (The best gift you can give to your family is good health).

· Education –

· Vocation –

· Ministry (Service within the Church) –

You won’t move forward in 2025 unless you set some goals greater than yourself. Goals where you must depend upon God for them to be accomplished.

Can I remind us that as believers we have the power that raised God from the dead living in us (Holy Spirit Power). We read in Romans 8:11,

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Evangelist Billy Graham once said, "We are not called to mediocrity. We are called to be extraordinary because of God’s extraordinary power in us."

2. Shift from Self-Improvement to God’s Purposes – Matthew 6:33

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

How many of you have that verse committed to memory? It is a must to hide key Scripture in your heart. This is one of those key Bible verses.

Imagine setting a goal to save money and only focusing on pennies while ignoring opportunities to grow wealth through investment. Many of us focus on small, self-centered goals while ignoring God's greater purposes. God’s plans for us go beyond earthly concerns to eternal impact.

There are two things we must do to make goals that focus in on God’s purpose for our lives. They are:

· Identify where your goals have been self-focused.

· Identify the changes you need to make.

Personal illustration: I once was asked to do a wedding and before I do weddings, I require 6 hours of premarital counseling. I had this couple who came to me and asked if I would do their wedding. As we went through counseling it became obvious that the man was very self-focused. Everything he talked about was self-centered. I encouraged Ann not to marry the guy. Everything was about him. She didn’t and later she met a very wonderful guy.

Your goals must include your spouse and your family. None of us are an island unto ourselves.

Consider how your goals can serve God’s kingdom, whether through ministry, generosity, or discipleship.

Here are a few possible goals:

· I will discover my Spiritual gift and use it serving in my local Church (Study Romans 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12-14; Eph. 4:12; 1 Peter 4:7-11).

· I will invest and whatever profit I earn I will give a percentage of it away.

· I have been wanting to grow in my walk with Christ, so, I will spend time with another Christian and together we will sharpen one another. (Men, join the Men’s Discipleship 2025).

Dr. Charles Stanley wrote, "When you align your goals with God’s purpose, you are tapping into the ultimate source of strength, wisdom, and provision."

3. Dream Bigger, Trust Deeper – Isaiah 55:9

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Pastor Kim spoke several weeks ago about going to an all-you-can-eat buffet and filling your plate with bread rolls. He said, that it might seem satisfying, but you miss out on the best dishes. In the same way, small, safe goals can prevent us from experiencing the abundance of God’s plans (John 10:10).

· Write down a “stretch goal” for your faith—something that scares you a little because it seems too big.

· Trust that God will provide the resources, connections, and opportunities to fulfill what He has called you to do.

Recently at our men’s breakfast Tom Leger asked, “Is your God too small?” He said this hit home to him when he thought about how many “King of Glory” books he should print to send over to Papua New Guinea. He said in his mind he thought, perhaps 1,000, but then he paused and said, “No, 10,000.” His question to himself was, “Am I limiting God?” As I speak this morning there is a cargo container between China and Papua New Guinea with 50,000 King of Glory books. Don’t limit what God can do with your goals.

David Jeremiah penned, "Faith sees beyond the immediate, trusting God to do what seems impossible in our limited understanding."

4. Make Room for God’s Surprises – Proverbs 16:9

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Setting goals with God is like planning a road trip with a trusted guide. You might think you know the destination, but the guide sees detours and scenic routes that you don’t. God often surprises us with better plans than we can imagine.

· Leave room in your goals for God to redirect or expand them. Our Father knows best!!!

· Be flexible and trust that God’s surprises are for your good and His glory.

· Be ready to have your life intersect the life of others in a what we call, a divine encounter. God will bring people into your life that will help you reach your goals. You also may be the answer the other person needs in their life for them to reach their goals.

Charles Spurgeon wrote, “Our plans are finite; God’s plans are infinite. If He alters our course, it is always to lead us to something better."

5. Write the Vision and Take Action – Habakkuk 2:2

Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.

A ship captain wouldn’t leave port without a map and compass. Writing down your goals is like creating a navigation plan—it provides clarity and direction. Without it, you risk drifting aimlessly.

· Take time to write down your God-inspired goals for the year.

· Break them into actionable steps and review them regularly in prayer.

In ministry coaching we used what was called “SMART” goals:

S – Specific

M – Measurable

A – Attainable

R – Realistic

T – Time Sensitive

Billy Graham penned, “Mountaintops inspire leaders, but valleys mature them. Don’t just dream the dream—take the steps to make it reality, trusting God to lead you through the process."

Conclusion: Our second challenge for 2025 is simply don’t settle for bread rolls at God’s buffet of blessings. Dream bigger. Trust deeper. Set goals that reflect His purposes and let His power work through you to achieve more than you could ever imagine.

Closing Prayer: Lord, help us to dream beyond our limitations and trust Your strength to achieve what You have planned for our lives. May we align our goals with Your eternal purposes and walk boldly into the future You have prepared for us. Amen.