1 Accomplishing a goal is like hitting what? Philippians 3:14
Note: Setting a large goal is like using a bow and arrow to hit a target from 100 feet away. If you’ve never yielded a bow, do you first set the target 100 feet away on your first shot? No. You first start 10 feet away. Afterward, the target is moved out to 25 feet, next 40 feet, then 60 feet, finally 100 feet.
2 Should you hesitate in setting goals that seem to have unavoidable obstacles? Jeremiah 12:5
Note: In the book, Christ’s Object Lessons, it is stated: “Opposing circumstances should create a firm determination to overcome them. The breaking down of one barrier will give greater ability and courage to go forward. Press with determination in the right direction, and circumstances will be your helpers, not your hindrances.” Learn how to break up your goals into smaller ones that will lead you to accomplish big goals.
3 How can you find an abundance of time for educating yourself to reach your new goals? John 6:11-13
Note: The first steppingstone is Learning Steppingstones – By taking up the small fragments of time we have, we could use that time to learn something that will aid in the process of completing your goals. Ask yourself, what, where, or who can you go to so you can learn how to accomplish your goal?
4 Why do you have to step out and work towards accomplishing your goals? Isn’t faith enough? James 2:17
Note: The second steppingstone is Action-Based Steppingstones – A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Taking action toward your goal is a must. A great way to do this is to make a list of everything you can possibly think of you will have to do to achieve your goal. Ask yourself, “What milestones do I know need to be reached along the journey of accomplishing this goal?”
5 How did those, who have the results we want, become strong in a certain area of life? Hebrews 5:14
Note: The Third steppingstone is Skill-Based Steppingstones – Your weakest key skill sets the ceiling of your personal, spiritual, mental, social, and financial success. You can often make more progress by going to work on the one skill that is holding you back more than any other. What one skill, if you developed and did it consistently to the glory of God, would help you the most to achieve your most important goal?
6 Who should you associate with that will help you in the accomplishment of your goals? Proverbs 13:20
Note: The fourth steppingstone is Relational Steppingstones – Something you should ask yourself is, Who can you involve in learning together, working together, and growing together while working towards a common goal? Write those people down, involve them, and create win-wins together!
7 What must you do consistently that will help you reach your desired goal? Galatians 5:24-25
Note: The fifth steppingstone is Habitual Steppingstones – To achieve your biblical goals, you must develop new habits. What habits can you develop and regularly start doing to help you reach your goals? Remember, 1 Corinthians 14:40 says: “Let all things be done decently and in order.”
8 How can you overcome any discouraging obstacle? 1 John 5:4
Note: The sixth steppingstone is Obstacle Steppingstones – We must be open to the fact that in the process of completing our goals, there will be obstacles. They will not go away, but rather get bigger as you aim higher and higher. One way we can know if we will not reach our goals is if we complain or despair over the difficulties. This shows a lack of faith. But we must realize that obstacles are not impossibilities. Be proactive instead of reactive by writing the kind of challenges you will likely have to overcome and write at least 3 (or more) possible solutions to overcome each obstacle.
9 What must you receive from Christ to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles? Joshua 1:9
10 How does Jesus say your goals are to be reached? Matthew 9:29
Note: The seventh and final steppingstone is Belief-Based Steppingstones – An important element of accomplishing goals is that we must have faith when we pray. We must believe that we receive by asking for what God has promised. If you believe you can or believe you can’t you’re absolutely right. Only by your faith and through Christ may you obtain the desired result for setting your biblical goals. What Bible promises can you claim for helping you to fulfill God’s plan in your life and renew your mind? (Romans 12:2)
In light of God’s Word…
Are you willing today to apply these steppingstones to your life in connection with writing down your goals?
Is it your desire to be faithful in setting and accomplishing the smaller goals before you start aiming for the goals that are still 100 feet away?
Offer:
If you would like an effective way to live intentionally and something that will help you start setting and accomplishing those smaller goals, we recommend you check out the NEW Army of Youth Daily Account Book by going to: thearmyofyouth.com/accountbook
If you are looking for Christian fellowship while working in the service of Christ, we encourage you to visit: thearmyofyouth.com/volunteer !