Godly goals are set through faith. The Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV). If you want the goals you set to be pleasing to God, then you need to set goals that require faith.

In other words, you must set goals that are too big for you to reach on your own. Godly goals stretch and grow your faith.

When you set and trust God for a big goal, God will work in a big way—and you’ll see your faith grow in a big way. On the other hand, if you state a small goal, then you may not get to see God work in the big ways he wants to and has planned to in your life.

Godly goals stretch your faith. They affirm that you trust God, but they are also statements of how much you trust God. The Bible says, “According to your faith let it be done to you” (Matthew 9:29 NIV).

When you don’t set goals, then your goal is basically to stay the same. And, as a result, your faith will stay the same too.

See how this works: 

• When I ask you, “What’s your goal for your health?” and you say, “I don’t have one,” then your goal is to stay the same.

• When I ask you, “What’s your goal in your relationships?” and you say, “I don’t have one,” then your goal is for them not to get any better.

• When I ask you, “What’s your goal for getting out of debt?” and you say, “I don’t have one,” then your goal is to stay in debt.

• When I ask you, “What’s your goal for your career?” and you say, “I don’t have one,” then your goal is to just drift along.

Goals are a spiritual discipline. They challenge your faith. They develop your character. And they build your hope.

You haven’t believed God until you’ve attempted to do something that can’t be done without his power at work in your life. Godly goals require you to remain dependent on Jesus. And that makes your faith strong!