Goal-Setting Challenge: Do A New Thing

Take Action Series – Part 1

Suddenly, Autumn is all around us.

As I enjoyed an afternoon of shopping with my best friend this past week, pumpkin decor was on every shelf and I wondered if we’re already in October.

I glance at my phone. Nope, still here in August.

The hot summer weather is going strong in Southern California and we probably won’t see cooler weather until November.

Yet we desire nothing more than a new season. We want something different. A change that improves our state of mind.

But pumpkin lattes and fallen leaves are not going to make much of a difference in the areas we promised ourselves we would work on in 2022. We have to take another look at our goals, or better yet, start again and do a new thing.

Don’t Wait Until January To Set New Goals

To be honest, that list of goals I carefully wrote out earlier this year is lost somewhere in my filing cabinet. So, I know it’s time to reset and there’s nothing wrong with writing a fresh list when it comes to goals, even if it’s in August.

Plus, the end of the summer season is a great time to check in with ourselves and God.

The following questions are a good starting point.

• What area of your life do you want to see more progress before the end of this year?
  • Write out three steps you can take to accomplish this.
• Is God asking something special of you this season?
  • Set aside time with the Lord to talk this one over.
  • List one way you can start moving toward God’s plan.
• Is there anything you need to leave behind right now?
  • Look back at the past few months. Are you holding on to any hurt?
  • Pray and ask God to help you with forgiveness
• What is one thing you want to do before 2022 ends?
  • How can you get closer to making this happen?

Fasting For Your Goals

I truly believe God is always there, making a way. He wants to help us accomplish our goals. We just have to remember to include Him in the process through prayer and fasting.

This does not have to be complicated either. Try giving up your favorite food or that coffee you love in the morning for a few days, and instead spend time with the Lord in a place set aside just for Him. I like to stop eating by a certain time, say 6pm, so I can focus on hearing God in the evening.

There are many ways to fast. Most important is to bring yourself before God intentionally in order to hear Him and not the world around us.

Fasting definitely allows us to put our focus where it needs to be.

One of my goals is to begin to study scripture more thoroughly. One step I can take to better my understanding of the Word is to sign up for a class or get involved in a bible study. This is really out of my comfort zone, even to think about. I’d rather just study alone, but I have a feeling the Lord is going to bring me to a new place through this challenge when it comes to this area of my life. And a part of that may be stepping outside of what I’m used to doing.

If I am willing to fast, I will have a more secure plan that has results.

Maybe your goal is to lose weight and get your health in order. Maybe you want to spend more time with your family and less time on social media. Maybe you need to start opening your bible, daily. Or maybe you’re not much of a traveler, but want to open yourself up to seeing more of the unknown.

Whatever your goals may be, it’s awesome that you’re willing to challenge yourself in August and move forward with that goal.

In Chapter 43 of Isaiah, the Lord says “I will be with you.” He stands strong for us in so many ways. When you include God in your goals, it won’t feel impossible. Stick with it, because the Lord is doing a new thing.

“Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Isaiah 43:19 NKJV

Keep me posted my friends. Let me know how this challenge goes. This is the first part of my Take Action Series. If this article is something a friend or relative might find helpful, send them this link … https://dedicatedtojesus.com/2022/08/12/goal-setting-challenge-do-a-new-thing/

Thanks for all the support and love.