Author: Rev. Dr. Kahla
Anchor
Philippians 3:14 (NKJV) says, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
When Paul wrote this, he was giving us a picture of what it looks like to live with spiritual focus and determination. He did not say “I drift toward the goal” or “I casually hope I get there.” He said press. Pressing means exerting effort, applying intentional focus, and choosing not to be distracted. This scripture reminds us that every believer needs to have a target, a direction, and a clear goal in mind, otherwise, we will wander around aimlessly.
Think about it like driving a car without a destination. You may burn gas, see scenery, and cover distance, but you will never actually arrive anywhere meaningful. In the same way, if we are not intentional about setting spiritual and personal goals, we will move but not progress. Establishing a goal helps us to measure where we are, stay motivated, and align with God’s purpose for our lives.
For example, if your goal is to grow closer to God, you might set a plan to read one chapter of the Bible each morning before work. That’s a clear and measurable step toward a bigger goal of spiritual maturity. If your goal is to improve your health, you might decide to walk 20 minutes three times a week. Both goals are specific, intentional, and achievable, and they keep you moving toward the larger vision of being whole in spirit, soul, and body.
The truth is, when we don’t establish goals, life establishes them for us. Emergencies, distractions, and even other people’s priorities will take over. But when we set our eyes on God’s upward call and establish faith-filled goals, we are not only pressing forward but also building discipline, resilience, and clarity. Goals give us something to aim for—and with God’s help, we can hit the mark.
Think About It
A clear goal provides direction. Without a target, you can’t measure progress. Just as Paul pressed toward the prize, we need to define where we are going.
God blesses preparation and intentionality. Setting a goal is a way of honoring God with your time and talents. It shows stewardship and faith.
Small steps lead to big victories. You don’t have to do everything at once. Setting realistic milestones keeps you moving steadily forward.
Goals strengthen your faith walk. When you commit to a God-centered goal, you also learn to depend on Him to see it through.
New knowledge…
Establishing a goal is more than writing down what you want. It’s aligning your desires with God’s will and then putting it into action with prayer, consistency, and discipline. Many people set goals but don’t revisit them. The key takeaway is that goals require accountability, adjustment, and follow-through. God gives us wisdom to set the right goals, strength to press toward them, and grace to get up if we fall short.
Now let’s apply what we have learned…
Take a moment to think about one area in your life where you need focus. Is it your spiritual growth, your health, your finances, or your relationships? Write down a specific and measurable goal in that area. For example: “I will spend 10 minutes in prayer each morning” or “I will save $50 a month toward an emergency fund.” Once you have written it, pray over it and ask God to help you stay consistent.
Next, share your goal with a trusted friend or accountability partner. Having someone check in with you will make it harder to give up when things get challenging. Finally, track your progress weekly. This doesn’t have to be complicated, it can be as simple as a note in your journal or a phone reminder. The more you see your growth, the more encouraged you will be to keep pressing toward the prize.
Pause and Ponder
What specific area of my life do I need to set a faith-filled goal in right now?
Be Encouraged
Remember, setting a goal is not about perfection, it’s about progression. God is not asking you to be flawless. He is asking you to press. Every step forward, no matter how small, moves you closer to the purpose He has for your life. Don’t be discouraged if you stumble along the way. Reset, refocus, and keep pressing.
This week, take courage and establish one God-centered goal. Write it down, pray over it, and start pressing toward it. You will be amazed at how much clarity, peace, and momentum come when you move with purpose.
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