June 23, 2025 • 16 mins
Find the full episode here > Surrendering Your Plans: The Path to God-Centered Goals
Struggling to align your goals with God's will? There's a profound difference between productivity-obsessed planning and faith-centered goal setting that transforms not just what we accomplish, but who we become.
At the heart of this transformation is Proverbs 16:3 – "Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established." The Hebrew word for "commit" literally means to roll our burdens onto God's shoulders. Faith-based goal setting begins with surrender rather than striving, with prayer before planning.
While the world glorifies hustle and self-made success, God invites us into a different approach. Before writing down your goals or creating a vision board, pause to examine your heart. Does this goal reflect God's wisdom? Am I seeking His kingdom or my own? Have I made space to listen before leaping into action?
The practical framework I share helps you create goals that honor God: make them specific while keeping your heart surrendered, root them in scripture for spiritual motivation, and always "write in pencil, pray in permanent ink." This approach acknowledges God's perfect timing, which rarely matches our culture's expectation for instant results.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or behind with goal setting, remember that God isn't disappointed or in a hurry. Start with small steps of faith – perhaps just 10 minutes of scripture reading daily or weekly prayer with your family. These seemingly modest beginnings can yield an abundant harvest of spiritual growth.
Ready to transform your approach to planning? Join me for an Aroma of Christ coaching hour to develop a personalized devotional routine that fits your busy life and creates space for God to establish your steps. Visit paulaberens.com/coaching to begin your journey toward goals that truly matter for eternity.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Paula Behrens (00:01):
In a world that often values the hustle over the
heart, how can we align ourambitions with our faith to
truly honor God?
In today's show on PenciledPlans Permanent Prayers we will
dive deep into faith-based goalsetting, exploring how to
surrender our plans to His will.
Join us now as we uncover thepower of God-honored goal
(00:23):
setting that will reflect yourdeepest spiritual values.
When I first began my seminarywork while serving two church
congregations full-time,everyone assumed I had my daily
devotional time perfectlyorganized, but, truth be told,
there were mornings I couldbarely find five minutes to
catch my breath, let alone diveinto deep reflection.
(00:43):
One day, as I rushed out thedoor with mismatched shoes, I
realized that even in my chaosthere was a lesson.
Embracing God's grace andself-forgiveness I realized that
true success in my devotionallife requires prioritizing my
spiritual practices.
Are you finding it challengingto maintain your spiritual
(01:05):
practices or yearning for a morepeaceful, God-aligned day?
I'm Paula and I've been theretoo.
Balancing spiritual habits witha busy life can be difficult.
I longed for a deeperconnection with God, but
struggled with consistency.
Then I found the perfectapproach.
If you seek simple ways todeepen your connection with God,
this podcast is for you.
(01:27):
You want to grow closer to God.
But let's be honest your daysare full, your mind is busy and
your devotional routine feelsmore like a struggle than a
sanctuary.
That's exactly why I createdthe Aroma of Christ Coaching
Hour.
This one-on-one session isdesigned to make deepening your
relationship with God simple,peaceful and personal.
No pressure, no overwhelm, justa guided, spirit-led approach
(01:50):
to help you reset and reconnectwith Jesus in a way that truly
fits your life.
You won't leave empty-handedeither.
You'll walk away witheverything you need to continue
your journey, including aprintable devotional planning
and tracking guide to help youstay consistent, a beautiful
gospel reading plan that walksyou through the life of Jesus, a
downloadable prayer journal toreflect, process and pray
(02:12):
intentionally, and practicalguidance on how to use essential
oils to quiet your mind andinvite peace into your spiritual
practices.
You don't need fancy tools orhours of free time.
You just need a doable plan andsomeone to help you make it
real.
So let's make your devotionallife easy, meaningful and
refreshingly Christ-centered.
It's time to simplify yourspiritual life so you can savor
(02:35):
it again.
Book your Aroma of Christcoaching hour today at
paulabehrens.
com/ coaching.
That's Paula BehrensB-E-H-R-E-N-S .
com/ coaching ( no spaces).
Look for a link in the shownotes.
All right, it's time to getstarted.
Grab your Bible, dust off yourjournal and cozy up to your
(02:59):
favorite beverage and let's divein.
What if your goals weren't justproductive but deeply spiritual
?
What if surrendering your plansactually brought more clarity
than control ever could?
What if the secret to progresswasn't doing more but in
inviting God into less?
If any of that resonates withyou, you are gonna love today's
(03:21):
show.
Let's begin with a verse thatmay already be underlined or
highlighted in your Bible,Commit your work to the Lord and
your plans will be established,Proverbs 16.3.
It's one of those verses thatbrings both comfort and clarity
to many.
Today, we're going to digdeeper and see what it really
means when we talk aboutfaith-based goal setting not
(03:43):
just writing out a to-do list ormapping out a five-year plan,
but grounding everything we doas if we are doing it
specifically for the Lord.
If you've ever wrestled withsetting goals that honor God
while still trying to juggle allthe other pieces of your life,
this episode is for you.
Whether you're a mom trying tomanage household duties, a
ministry leader stepping intonew territory, a woman
(04:06):
navigating a career withintegrity, or simply someone
trying to be more intentionalabout your spiritual walk,
you're going to want to listenin closely as we explore the
world's way versus God's way.
Let's face it we live in aculture that glorifies big
things.
The world says set big goals,crush them and don't let anyone
(04:27):
get in your way.
The world's message is wrappedup in self-reliance and ambition
, and while ambition isn'tinherently wrong, it becomes
dangerous when it's disconnectedfrom faith.
Here's the difference.
The world says you're theauthor of your own destiny, but
God's word tells us that he isthe author and perfecter of our
(04:49):
faith.
So how does our faith in Jesusaffect the goals we decide to
set?
Well, it's pretty simple.
Faith-based goal setting doesn'tstart with a planner.
It starts with prayer.
It doesn't begin with a visionboard.
It begins with a surrenderedheart.
Now don't misunderstand me.
Tools are helpful, planners,schedulers, bullet journals I
(05:10):
love all of that and I use allof that, but if we're not
careful, we can leave the Saviorout of the system.
The key is to shift fromself-made to spirit-led,
beginning with surrender as youcommit your work to the Lord.
Proverbs 16.3 is bothinstruction and promise.
Let's read it again slowly.
(05:31):
Commit your work to the Lordand your plans will be
established.
The word commit in Hebrewliterally means roll away or
roll on to.
It's the same word used inPsalm 37.
5, Commit your way to the Lord,trust in him and he will act.
So when we commit our work tothe Lord, we're rolling the
(05:54):
weight of it onto his shoulders.
We're saying God, this dream,this plan, this effort, this
goal, I'm placing it in yourhands.
It's not passive, it's deeplyactive, it's trust in motion.
Here's what it looks like inreal life.
Before launching that newventure, you pause and pray,
(06:16):
Lord, is this your will?
When making a decision aboutyour family activities, you ask,
will this draw us closer to God?
When dreaming up somethingbeautiful, a book, a ministry, a
goal, you hold it loosely andsay, not my will, but yours be
done.
That's what's at the heart offaith-based goal setting.
(06:37):
It's not about making God blessour plans, but it's about
aligning our hearts with his sothat his desires become our
plans.
Let me give you three simpleheart checks that you can pray
through as you begin to set yourChrist-centered goals.
One when you think about yourgoal, whether it's offering a
devotional, organizing your home, starting a business or getting
(07:00):
healthier ask, does my goalreflect God's wisdom?
Does it promote peace and order?
Does it demonstrate love,patience and faithfulness?
Colossians 3.17 reminds us,Whatever you do in word or deed,
do everything in the name ofthe Lord Jesus.
If you can't do it in his name,maybe it's not the right goal.
(07:25):
Two am I seeking God's kingdomor my own?
This is a big one.
Jesus said in Matthew 6.33, butseek first the kingdom of God
and his righteousness and allthese things will be added to
you.
When we make goals about beingrecognized, gaining control or
desiring self-importance, theybecome heavy.
But when we seek first thekingdom of God, making goals
(07:48):
that will serve, love, give andglorify him, they become light.
So ask yourself, would I stillpursue this goal if no one else
noticed?
And it's a good one to wrestlewith, Would I still pursue this
goal if no one else noticed?
Our third heart check asks, am Imaking space to listen?
(08:09):
Sometimes we get so busyplanning our lives that we
forget to listen for guidancefrom the One who holds our
future.
Quiet moments with the Lord arewhere clarity is born.
Psalm 25.
4-5 says, Show me your ways Lord.
(08:31):
Teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth andteach me for you are God, my
Savior.
Before the vision board, beforethe planner, before the
whiteboard session, take time tosimply be still.
Ask Him to guide your heartbefore you ever put pen to paper
.
Breathe in the aroma offrankincense, set a timer for
five minutes and simply listen.
Now let's get practical.
Once you've prayed, reflectedand sought God's guidance, how
do you actually write yourfaith-based goals?
(08:53):
Well, here's a simple frameworkthat keeps Jesus at the center.
First, make your goal specificas you keep your heart
surrendered.
Let's say, you feel led tostart a Bible study in your home
.
Don't just write, Start a group, write, Launch a weekly Bible
study on Tuesday evenings,beginning in July, to help women
gain a deeper understanding ofGod's Word.
(09:14):
Make it specific, measurableand tied to kingdom growth as
you stay surrendered.
You might have planned for 10women, but only three come,
that's okay.
God's math is different thanours.
Then let your goal be motivatedby the Bible.
Ask what scripture supportsthis goal?
If your goal is to spend moretime with your kids or grandkids
(09:36):
, tie it to Deuteronomy 6,verses 6 through 7, which says,
these words that I command youtoday shall be on your heart.
You shall teach them diligentlyto your children.
If your goal is to gainfinancial stability, root it in
Proverbs 21.5, the plans of thediligent lead surely to
abundance.
When your why is rooted in theBible, you'll be less likely to
(10:00):
quit when it gets hard.
Three plan in pencil, pray inpermanent ink.
This might be my favorite tip.
Write your plans, yourtimelines, your targets in
pencil.
In other words, hold themloosely.
God has full permission tointerrupt, redirect or surprise
you.
James 4.
(10:21):
15 says, instead, you ought tosay, if the Lord wills we will
live and do this or that.
Planning is wise, butflexibility and faith is
spiritual maturity.
Okay, let's talk timelines.
Raise your hand if you've evergotten discouraged because
something didn't happen when youthought it should happen.
You can't see me, I know, butmy hand is raised too.
(10:44):
We live in a culture of instanteverything, instant messages,
instant oatmeal, instant results.
But God's timing is perfectlyintentional and not always
instantly convenient.
Abraham waited 25 years forIsaac.
Joseph waited 13 years to seeGod's dream fulfilled.
Jesus waited 30 years beforebeginning his public ministry.
(11:07):
So if you've got a goal in mind, even a God-honoring one, and
you're in a waiting pattern,hear me, delay is not denial.
Sometimes God uses the wait torefine your heart before he
releases the harvest.
Galatians 6.9 is your go-toverse here.
It says, says let us not growweary in doing good, for in due
(11:29):
season we will reap if we do notgive up.
So don't give up.
Don't rush the process.
God is working in the unseen,even when your plans feel like
they aren't going anywhere.
Maybe you're listening today andthinking that's great, but I
feel so behind.
I haven't set goals in years.
I'm overwhelmed, just trying toget through the day.
(11:49):
Well, let me encourage you.
God is not in a hurry and he isnot disappointed in you.
Isaiah 40, verse 11 says, hetends his flock like a shepherd.
He gathers the lambs in hisarms and carries them close to
his heart.
That's our God.
He's not waiting for us toaccomplish more so he can love
us more.
He's waiting for us to rest inhis arms and simply say Lord,
(12:14):
lead me.
So start with the small things.
Maybe your first goal thisseason is just 10 minutes in the
Word each morning, or prayingaloud with your kids or
grandkids once a week, orreading one faith-based book
this month.
Small steps of faith will openthe door to a harvest of
obedience.
Before we close, here are fivepractical steps for faith-based
(12:38):
goal setting that you can startright now.
One begin with prayer.
Invite God into every stepyou're planning.
Two align your goals withscripture.
Make sure they reflect God'sheart.
Three write down your why.
Know the biblical motivationbehind the things you want to do
.
Four set the goal but surrenderthe outcome.
(13:00):
Plan well, but trust God fully.
Five reflect on your goals often.
Set a specific time each day toask is this still where God is
leading?
And remember this, your life isnot random.
Your work, whether seen orunseen, matters deeply to God
and your plans, when committedto him, are never wasted.
(13:22):
Proverbs 16.3 isn't a formula,it's a faith posture.
It's a call to invite theCreator into the details,
trusting that he knows theblueprint better than we do.
As we close today, let'sremember the heart of Proverbs
16.
3, Commit your work to the Lordand your plans will be
established.
(13:43):
It's so important that we setour goals not from a pl ace of
hustle but from a posture ofholy surrender.
Always write your goals inpencil and your prayers in
permanent ink.
Setting faith-based goals isn'tabout chasing achievement.
It's about pursuing alignmentwith God's will, day by day,
step by step.
Before we wrap up, let's addanother layer of support to your
(14:05):
faith-based goal-setting planby creating a prayerful
atmosphere.
My personal preference is touse essential oils to enhance
focus, prayer and reflection.
Frankincense is one of myfavorites, not just for its
biblical roots but for how itinvites a sense of reverence
while I journal and reflect onGod's direction.
Lavender helps me slow down andenter into stillness, and a
(14:27):
blend like Valor gives me thecourage to acknowledge that I
don't have to carry the pressureof results, because God will do
that for me.
I simply plant the seeds andGod provides the growth.
Now, essential oils aren'tmagic.
They're just one more tool likea favorite pen or a quiet
corner that helps me tune outthe distractions and tune in to
(14:48):
God.
So, as you sit with yourplanner, your Bible and an open
heart this week, considercreating a space that honors the
sacredness of planning with God.
(16:00):
Put a drop of your favoriteessential in your hands and
breathe it in.
Diffuse something calming, openthe word and say, Lord,
establish my steps.
You're not alone on thisjourney.
God is walking with you,cheering you on, guiding your
heart and lovingly shaping everyplan you commit to him.
With that thought, stay rootedin grace and bold in your faith.
Thank you for tuning in todayand remember, just like setting
biblical boundaries, it's okayto say no to things that don't
serve you well, like that thirdpiece of cake at the church
potluck.
If you've enjoyed this episode, we would truly appreciate it
if you would take just a fewmoments to follow the show and
leave a review.
Also, prayerfully, considerinvesting just one hour to
deepen your faith and nurtureyour spiritual growth.
In your Aroma of Christcoaching hour, you will discover
how to craft a personalizeddevotional routine that will fit
perfectly into your busyschedule, incorporate essential
oils into your spiritualpractices, create an easy to
follow tracking plan forconsistency and learn tried and
true strategies to experienceyour quiet time with God not
just as a routine but as ajoyful journey.
Schedule your call now atpaulabehrens.
com/ coaching.
That's Paula BehrensB-E-H-R-E-N-S .
(16:25):
com/ coaching (no spaces).
Be sure to check the show notesfor all the links.
Join us next week as wecontinue to discover how to live
on purpose in Christ.
Until then, keep leaning intohim and walking in his wisdom.
See you next time.
In a world that often values the hustle over the
heart, how can we align ourambitions with our faith to
truly honor God?
In today's show on PenciledPlans Permanent Prayers we will
dive deep into faith-based goalsetting, exploring how to
surrender our plans to His will.
Join us now as we uncover thepower of God-honored goal
(00:23):
setting that will reflect yourdeepest spiritual values.
When I first began my seminarywork while serving two church
congregations full-time,everyone assumed I had my daily
devotional time perfectlyorganized, but, truth be told,
there were mornings I couldbarely find five minutes to
catch my breath, let alone diveinto deep reflection.
(00:43):
One day, as I rushed out thedoor with mismatched shoes, I
realized that even in my chaosthere was a lesson.
Embracing God's grace andself-forgiveness I realized that
true success in my devotionallife requires prioritizing my
spiritual practices.
Are you finding it challengingto maintain your spiritual
(01:05):
practices or yearning for a morepeaceful, God-aligned day?
I'm Paula and I've been theretoo.
Balancing spiritual habits witha busy life can be difficult.
I longed for a deeperconnection with God, but
struggled with consistency.
Then I found the perfectapproach.
If you seek simple ways todeepen your connection with God,
this podcast is for you.
(01:27):
You want to grow closer to God.
But let's be honest your daysare full, your mind is busy and
your devotional routine feelsmore like a struggle than a
sanctuary.
That's exactly why I createdthe Aroma of Christ Coaching
Hour.
This one-on-one session isdesigned to make deepening your
relationship with God simple,peaceful and personal.
No pressure, no overwhelm, justa guided, spirit-led approach
(01:50):
to help you reset and reconnectwith Jesus in a way that truly
fits your life.
You won't leave empty-handedeither.
You'll walk away witheverything you need to continue
your journey, including aprintable devotional planning
and tracking guide to help youstay consistent, a beautiful
gospel reading plan that walksyou through the life of Jesus, a
downloadable prayer journal toreflect, process and pray
(02:12):
intentionally, and practicalguidance on how to use essential
oils to quiet your mind andinvite peace into your spiritual
practices.
You don't need fancy tools orhours of free time.
You just need a doable plan andsomeone to help you make it
real.
So let's make your devotionallife easy, meaningful and
refreshingly Christ-centered.
It's time to simplify yourspiritual life so you can savor
(02:35):
it again.
Book your Aroma of Christcoaching hour today at
paulabehrens.
com/ coaching.
That's Paula BehrensB-E-H-R-E-N-S .
com/ coaching ( no spaces).
Look for a link in the shownotes.
All right, it's time to getstarted.
Grab your Bible, dust off yourjournal and cozy up to your
(02:59):
favorite beverage and let's divein.
What if your goals weren't justproductive but deeply spiritual
?
What if surrendering your plansactually brought more clarity
than control ever could?
What if the secret to progresswasn't doing more but in
inviting God into less?
If any of that resonates withyou, you are gonna love today's
(03:21):
show.
Let's begin with a verse thatmay already be underlined or
highlighted in your Bible,Commit your work to the Lord and
your plans will be established,Proverbs 16.3.
It's one of those verses thatbrings both comfort and clarity
to many.
Today, we're going to digdeeper and see what it really
means when we talk aboutfaith-based goal setting not
(03:43):
just writing out a to-do list ormapping out a five-year plan,
but grounding everything we doas if we are doing it
specifically for the Lord.
If you've ever wrestled withsetting goals that honor God
while still trying to juggle allthe other pieces of your life,
this episode is for you.
Whether you're a mom trying tomanage household duties, a
ministry leader stepping intonew territory, a woman
(04:06):
navigating a career withintegrity, or simply someone
trying to be more intentionalabout your spiritual walk,
you're going to want to listenin closely as we explore the
world's way versus God's way.
Let's face it we live in aculture that glorifies big
things.
The world says set big goals,crush them and don't let anyone
(04:27):
get in your way.
The world's message is wrappedup in self-reliance and ambition
, and while ambition isn'tinherently wrong, it becomes
dangerous when it's disconnectedfrom faith.
Here's the difference.
The world says you're theauthor of your own destiny, but
God's word tells us that he isthe author and perfecter of our
(04:49):
faith.
So how does our faith in Jesusaffect the goals we decide to
set?
Well, it's pretty simple.
Faith-based goal setting doesn'tstart with a planner.
It starts with prayer.
It doesn't begin with a visionboard.
It begins with a surrenderedheart.
Now don't misunderstand me.
Tools are helpful, planners,schedulers, bullet journals I
(05:10):
love all of that and I use allof that, but if we're not
careful, we can leave the Saviorout of the system.
The key is to shift fromself-made to spirit-led,
beginning with surrender as youcommit your work to the Lord.
Proverbs 16.3 is bothinstruction and promise.
Let's read it again slowly.
(05:31):
Commit your work to the Lordand your plans will be
established.
The word commit in Hebrewliterally means roll away or
roll on to.
It's the same word used inPsalm 37.
5, Commit your way to the Lord,trust in him and he will act.
So when we commit our work tothe Lord, we're rolling the
(05:54):
weight of it onto his shoulders.
We're saying God, this dream,this plan, this effort, this
goal, I'm placing it in yourhands.
It's not passive, it's deeplyactive, it's trust in motion.
Here's what it looks like inreal life.
Before launching that newventure, you pause and pray,
(06:16):
Lord, is this your will?
When making a decision aboutyour family activities, you ask,
will this draw us closer to God?
When dreaming up somethingbeautiful, a book, a ministry, a
goal, you hold it loosely andsay, not my will, but yours be
done.
That's what's at the heart offaith-based goal setting.
(06:37):
It's not about making God blessour plans, but it's about
aligning our hearts with his sothat his desires become our
plans.
Let me give you three simpleheart checks that you can pray
through as you begin to set yourChrist-centered goals.
One when you think about yourgoal, whether it's offering a
devotional, organizing your home, starting a business or getting
(07:00):
healthier ask, does my goalreflect God's wisdom?
Does it promote peace and order?
Does it demonstrate love,patience and faithfulness?
Colossians 3.17 reminds us,Whatever you do in word or deed,
do everything in the name ofthe Lord Jesus.
If you can't do it in his name,maybe it's not the right goal.
(07:25):
Two am I seeking God's kingdomor my own?
This is a big one.
Jesus said in Matthew 6.33, butseek first the kingdom of God
and his righteousness and allthese things will be added to
you.
When we make goals about beingrecognized, gaining control or
desiring self-importance, theybecome heavy.
But when we seek first thekingdom of God, making goals
(07:48):
that will serve, love, give andglorify him, they become light.
So ask yourself, would I stillpursue this goal if no one else
noticed?
And it's a good one to wrestlewith, Would I still pursue this
goal if no one else noticed?
Our third heart check asks, am Imaking space to listen?
(08:09):
Sometimes we get so busyplanning our lives that we
forget to listen for guidancefrom the One who holds our
future.
Quiet moments with the Lord arewhere clarity is born.
Psalm 25.
4-5 says, Show me your ways Lord.
(08:31):
Teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth andteach me for you are God, my
Savior.
Before the vision board, beforethe planner, before the
whiteboard session, take time tosimply be still.
Ask Him to guide your heartbefore you ever put pen to paper
.
Breathe in the aroma offrankincense, set a timer for
five minutes and simply listen.
Now let's get practical.
Once you've prayed, reflectedand sought God's guidance, how
do you actually write yourfaith-based goals?
(08:53):
Well, here's a simple frameworkthat keeps Jesus at the center.
First, make your goal specificas you keep your heart
surrendered.
Let's say, you feel led tostart a Bible study in your home
.
Don't just write, Start a group, write, Launch a weekly Bible
study on Tuesday evenings,beginning in July, to help women
gain a deeper understanding ofGod's Word.
(09:14):
Make it specific, measurableand tied to kingdom growth as
you stay surrendered.
You might have planned for 10women, but only three come,
that's okay.
God's math is different thanours.
Then let your goal be motivatedby the Bible.
Ask what scripture supportsthis goal?
If your goal is to spend moretime with your kids or grandkids
(09:36):
, tie it to Deuteronomy 6,verses 6 through 7, which says,
these words that I command youtoday shall be on your heart.
You shall teach them diligentlyto your children.
If your goal is to gainfinancial stability, root it in
Proverbs 21.5, the plans of thediligent lead surely to
abundance.
When your why is rooted in theBible, you'll be less likely to
(10:00):
quit when it gets hard.
Three plan in pencil, pray inpermanent ink.
This might be my favorite tip.
Write your plans, yourtimelines, your targets in
pencil.
In other words, hold themloosely.
God has full permission tointerrupt, redirect or surprise
you.
James 4.
(10:21):
15 says, instead, you ought tosay, if the Lord wills we will
live and do this or that.
Planning is wise, butflexibility and faith is
spiritual maturity.
Okay, let's talk timelines.
Raise your hand if you've evergotten discouraged because
something didn't happen when youthought it should happen.
You can't see me, I know, butmy hand is raised too.
(10:44):
We live in a culture of instanteverything, instant messages,
instant oatmeal, instant results.
But God's timing is perfectlyintentional and not always
instantly convenient.
Abraham waited 25 years forIsaac.
Joseph waited 13 years to seeGod's dream fulfilled.
Jesus waited 30 years beforebeginning his public ministry.
(11:07):
So if you've got a goal in mind, even a God-honoring one, and
you're in a waiting pattern,hear me, delay is not denial.
Sometimes God uses the wait torefine your heart before he
releases the harvest.
Galatians 6.9 is your go-toverse here.
It says, says let us not growweary in doing good, for in due
(11:29):
season we will reap if we do notgive up.
So don't give up.
Don't rush the process.
God is working in the unseen,even when your plans feel like
they aren't going anywhere.
Maybe you're listening today andthinking that's great, but I
feel so behind.
I haven't set goals in years.
I'm overwhelmed, just trying toget through the day.
(11:49):
Well, let me encourage you.
God is not in a hurry and he isnot disappointed in you.
Isaiah 40, verse 11 says, hetends his flock like a shepherd.
He gathers the lambs in hisarms and carries them close to
his heart.
That's our God.
He's not waiting for us toaccomplish more so he can love
us more.
He's waiting for us to rest inhis arms and simply say Lord,
(12:14):
lead me.
So start with the small things.
Maybe your first goal thisseason is just 10 minutes in the
Word each morning, or prayingaloud with your kids or
grandkids once a week, orreading one faith-based book
this month.
Small steps of faith will openthe door to a harvest of
obedience.
Before we close, here are fivepractical steps for faith-based
(12:38):
goal setting that you can startright now.
One begin with prayer.
Invite God into every stepyou're planning.
Two align your goals withscripture.
Make sure they reflect God'sheart.
Three write down your why.
Know the biblical motivationbehind the things you want to do
.
Four set the goal but surrenderthe outcome.
(13:00):
Plan well, but trust God fully.
Five reflect on your goals often.
Set a specific time each day toask is this still where God is
leading?
And remember this, your life isnot random.
Your work, whether seen orunseen, matters deeply to God
and your plans, when committedto him, are never wasted.
(13:22):
Proverbs 16.3 isn't a formula,it's a faith posture.
It's a call to invite theCreator into the details,
trusting that he knows theblueprint better than we do.
As we close today, let'sremember the heart of Proverbs
16.
3, Commit your work to the Lordand your plans will be
established.
(13:43):
It's so important that we setour goals not from a pl ace of
hustle but from a posture ofholy surrender.
Always write your goals inpencil and your prayers in
permanent ink.
Setting faith-based goals isn'tabout chasing achievement.
It's about pursuing alignmentwith God's will, day by day,
step by step.
Before we wrap up, let's addanother layer of support to your
(14:05):
faith-based goal-setting planby creating a prayerful
atmosphere.
My personal preference is touse essential oils to enhance
focus, prayer and reflection.
Frankincense is one of myfavorites, not just for its
biblical roots but for how itinvites a sense of reverence
while I journal and reflect onGod's direction.
Lavender helps me slow down andenter into stillness, and a
(14:27):
blend like Valor gives me thecourage to acknowledge that I
don't have to carry the pressureof results, because God will do
that for me.
I simply plant the seeds andGod provides the growth.
Now, essential oils aren'tmagic.
They're just one more tool likea favorite pen or a quiet
corner that helps me tune outthe distractions and tune in to
(14:48):
God.
So, as you sit with yourplanner, your Bible and an open
heart this week, considercreating a space that honors the
sacredness of planning with God.
(16:00):
Put a drop of your favoriteessential in your hands and
breathe it in.
Diffuse something calming, openthe word and say, Lord,
establish my steps.
You're not alone on thisjourney.
God is walking with you,cheering you on, guiding your
heart and lovingly shaping everyplan you commit to him.
With that thought, stay rootedin grace and bold in your faith.
Thank you for tuning in todayand remember, just like setting
biblical boundaries, it's okayto say no to things that don't
serve you well, like that thirdpiece of cake at the church
potluck.
If you've enjoyed this episode, we would truly appreciate it
if you would take just a fewmoments to follow the show and
leave a review.
Also, prayerfully, considerinvesting just one hour to
deepen your faith and nurtureyour spiritual growth.
In your Aroma of Christcoaching hour, you will discover
how to craft a personalizeddevotional routine that will fit
perfectly into your busyschedule, incorporate essential
oils into your spiritualpractices, create an easy to
follow tracking plan forconsistency and learn tried and
true strategies to experienceyour quiet time with God not
just as a routine but as ajoyful journey.
Schedule your call now atpaulabehrens.
com/ coaching.
That's Paula BehrensB-E-H-R-E-N-S .
(16:25):
com/ coaching (no spaces).
Be sure to check the show notesfor all the links.
Join us next week as wecontinue to discover how to live
on purpose in Christ.
Until then, keep leaning intohim and walking in his wisdom.
See you next time.
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