We all have goals, dreams, and aspirations. We also have real lives. Live that come with. Complications, trials, and hard ships.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
But it is important to stay focused on the purpose God has set for your life. Below are for simple steps and verses to help you stay focused on your journey.
1. Make your plan
35 “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes.Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. Luke 12:35-38
In order to succeed at anything you have to decide on a goal and create a plan or action steps to achieve that goal. This is the first and most important step toward seeing your goals and purpose manifest themselves. To help create your plan establish measurable, realistic goals with a clear timeline. Measurable goals include progress that can be tracked through target dates, quantifiable increments, ect.
2. Discipline yourself
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
When on the path toward achieving your goals set in step 1 it is important to stay focused on your action steps. Don't become distracted by the attraction of the easy route. When we are in the middle of our journey it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This is why it is important to set clear measurable goals. I encourage you to write your goals down in a journal or vision board. Also note your tracking system and target dates. Use these as reminders of what your next steps should be and where you are with your goals. This will help you stay focused on your success and areas of weakness. This can also help you eliminate distractions so you ensure you make it to your end goal.
3. Be Strong
6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. 7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips;meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
When on the path toward achieving your goals set in step 1 it is important to stay focused on your action steps. Don't become distracted by the attraction of the easy route. When we are in the middle of our journey it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Working toward any goal can be draining and exhausting. Just keep push. Stay encouraged. I love using quotes and Bible verses as my regular motivation. Find what motivates you and keep it close.
4. Stay focused on the finish line
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
You were put on this Earth for a reason. You have a purpose and God has a plan for your life. Remember that and keep running!
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11