“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry†(Habakkuk 2:2-3).
Where are you going? Without goals, how will you know whether or not you are on the right track? How will you know if you are on the road to your destination if you don’t recognize the signposts along the way (smaller goals on the way to your larger goals)?
SMART-ER Goals to INSPIRE You.
We’ve heard of SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound). Here are SMART-ER goals, which honor God and help keep you on track!
Your SMART-ER Goals involve these seven steps:
S-Seek God
M-Make a Commitment
A-Ask
R-(w)Rite the Vision
T-Thank God in Advance;
E-Expect and R-Receive
S – Seek God. Get in a quiet place and seek the presence of the Lord. Meditate on scriptures about the Lord and what He has said and promised; such as “I am the Lord that healeth thee;” “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life;” “I will never leave you nor forsake you;” and others. (Matthew 6:33) “Seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness and ALL these things will be added unto you.”
M – Make a Commitment. Commit yourself to God. Let Him know you not only want the Lord’s guidance, but that you will follow it, too. (Proverbs 16:3) “Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established” and (Psalm 37:5) “Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.”
A – Ask – We want to ask in line with God’s will. Ask Him. (James 4:2) “You have not because you ask not. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” and (John 14:3) “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
R – (w)Rite the Vision! Write your goals down in each area. (Habakkuk 2:2) “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.”
T – Thank God in Advance. Thank the Lord for His guidance, direction, favor and the fulfillment of these goals. (Philippians 4:6) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
E – Expect (1 John 5:14-15) “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” Expect MORE from God!
R – Receive (Mark 11:24) “Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive (the word in Greek is “TAKE”) them, and you will have them.”
Now Praise the Lord! Really! Thank Him in a BIG way. Start praising Him and thanking Him for answered prayer. “I thank You, Lord, that You have heard me and that we will reach these goals together. I praise You, I worship You, and I give you ALL the glory for what You are doing in my life!”
Make this your year for SMART-ER Goals that honor God and keep you on track – guiding and guarding your ADVENTURE in Faith!
Christian Fitness Expert and Certified Health Coach Laurette Willis is the Director of PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry with DVDs, Training, and Classes by Certified PraiseMoves Instructors on six continents (http://Praisemoves.com). ©2015
By Laurette Willis
First published by SGN Scoops magazine in January 2015. For current articles by Laurette Willis in the latest SGN Scoops magazine click HERE.
