Setting Goals

Setting goals can be a great thing. We need things to strive for, but what happens when we just keep stiving and don’t celebrate the small victories? We begin to not stay focused on the prize at the end, or the final goal.

I came to realize lately I keep looking toward the next thing God is directing me to, and then many times do not see where He brought me from.

I don’t go back and:

1. Give Him credit or show others what He has done.
2. I also don’t take time to celebrate.

I begin to think about the future (a future on earth I am not promised) and then forget to thank God, to show others what God has done, and to celebrate His goodness.

Today, I was encouraging a friend on how far she has come in a journey, and I realized I don’t do that for myself. I don’t look back often enough and see where I WAS compared to where I AM, and praise the One who got me here.

Now, I do this here and there, but why don’t I do it more often? Instead, I focus on the new destination, goal or prize, and forget about the little steps God used to get me there.

Today, I am going to take time to thank God, and I encourage you to do the same.

Make this personal for you. Keep setting goals God is directing you towards, but also keep your eye on the ultimate goal and prize (eternity in heaven and sharing this hope with others), and the One who gives you the abilities to do everything.

Father God,
Thank you for the abilities you have given me. For the ability to write, to share, to be open, and to teach. Thank you for allowing me the opportunities you give me and thank you for bringing me to a place in life I never would have dreamed if I tried! Thank you for all You have given me, will give me, and most of all thank you for Jesus. For the hope I have this world is not my home. May I share it with others so they can find this hope too.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen

© 2023 Susan M. Clabaugh. With Encouragement in Daily Living LLC. All Rights Reserved.