Goal Setting with God: Building a Life That Matters

Mar 22, 2026by S.N. Perkins

Let’s be real for a second. We’ve all been there: It’s January 1st (or a very motivated Monday morning), and you’ve got your fancy new planner, a color-coded set of pens, and enough ambition to launch a rocket. You’ve written down "Get fit," "Save $10k," and "Read the entire Bible in a month."

By Wednesday, the planner is under a stack of mail, you’ve eaten a box of donuts, and you’re pretty sure Leviticus is written in a different language.

The struggle is real. But for those of us trying to walk the walk, there’s an extra layer of confusion. We hear phrases like "Let go and let God," which sounds great on a coffee mug but can feel like a permission slip to be aimless. On the flip side, we see the " Avodah Dynamics" that tells us we are the captains of our own souls and if we don't grind 24/7, we’re failing.

So, where’s the middle ground? How do we practice Christian goal setting without feeling like we’re trying to boss God around? At Chazon Strategies, we believe that goal setting isn’t just a corporate buzzword, it’s a spiritual discipline. It’s about taking the vision (Chazon) God has for your life and actually building the scaffolding to reach it.

The Tension: Planning vs. Sovereignty

There is a famous verse in Proverbs 16:9 that says, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."

Some people read that and think, “Well, if God is going to establish my steps anyway, why bother planning?” That’s like saying, “If God wants me to have clean clothes, He’ll just make them appear in the drawer.” Spoiler alert: He won't. You still have to do the laundry.

Planning is an act of stewardship. God gave you a brain, a set of talents, and a specific amount of time on this planet. Christian goal setting is simply deciding how you’re going to manage those gifts. We aren't trying to force God’s hand; we are preparing our hands to do the work He’s called us to.

Think of it like a GPS. You have to put in a destination for the GPS to give you directions. As you drive, the GPS might say, "Recalculating" because of a road closure or a better route. God is the GPS. He wants you to start moving, but He reserves the right to recalculate your route whenever He sees fit.

Step 1: Identify Your God-Given Roles

Before you start writing down "Buy a Ferrari," take a step back. Most of us set goals based on what we see on Instagram. We want the body of a fitness influencer, the bank account of a tech mogul, and the aesthetic of a professional minimalist.

Instead of looking outward, look at the roles God has actually placed you in right now. These are your "buckets" of responsibility. For most young adults, these look like:

1. Child of God: Your spiritual health and identity.
2. Steward: Your finances and physical health.
3. Vessel: Your career or calling.
4. Relational: Your role as a spouse, parent, friend, or child.
5. Community: Your impact on your local church or neighborhood.

When you set goals based on these roles, your life starts to feel more balanced. You aren't just chasing "success": you’re fulfilling your purpose.

Step 2: The "Open Hand" Policy

This is where the "witty and casual" part of our faith gets tested. We like to hold onto our plans with a death grip. But the secret sauce of Christian goal setting is the "Open Hand Policy."

Write your goals down in ink, but give God the eraser.

Holding your goals with an open hand means saying, "Lord, I really want to hit this milestone by December, but if You have a different plan, I’m okay with that." It removes the soul-crushing pressure of perfection. If a door closes, it’s not a failure; it’s a redirection. This mindset shifts you from a "manager of outcomes" to a "partner with the Creator."

Step 3: Getting SMART (and Spiritual)

You’ve probably heard of SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It’s a classic for a reason: it works. But when we apply it to our faith walk, we add a spiritual filter.

• Specific: Instead of "I want to be more spiritual," try "I will spend 15 minutes in prayer and Scripture every morning."
• Measurable: Instead of "I want to save money," try "I will save $200 every month by cutting out unnecessary subscriptions." (This is where that Personal CFO mindset kicks in!)
• Achievable: Be honest with yourself. If you haven't run a mile in three years, don't set a goal to run a marathon next month. God isn't impressed by your burnout; He’s honored by your consistency.
• Relevant: Does this goal actually align with who God called you to be? If your goal is to get a promotion that requires you to work 90 hours a week and ignore your family, it might not be a "God goal."
• Time-bound: Give yourself a deadline. "By June 1st, I will have finished my first emergency fund."

The Role of Life Coaching in Goal Setting

Sometimes, the hardest part of goal setting isn't the "what": it's the "how." Or more accurately, it’s the "why am I still stuck?"

This is where life coaching comes into play. At Chazon Strategies, we don’t just give you a pat on the back and a "Good luck!" A coach acts like a mirror. They help you see the blind spots that are keeping you from your goals. Maybe it’s a fear of failure, a lack of discipline, or just a really messy schedule.

A life coach helps you bridge the gap between where you are and where God is calling you to be. They provide the accountability that most of us are missing. It’s a lot harder to skip your "Stewardship Goal" when you know someone is going to ask you about it on Thursday.

Don’t Forget the "Why"

Why do we want to build a life that matters? Is it for the applause? The comfort? The "Verified" badge?

In the Chazon system, the "Why" is always Legacy. We set goals today so that we can leave a footprint tomorrow. Whether it's building generational wealth through smart insurance choices or building a generational faith through consistent character development, your goals are the bricks of your legacy.

If your goals are only about you, they’ll eventually feel empty. But if your goals are about serving God and loving people, every small win feels like a victory for the Kingdom.

Practical Tips to Start Today

1. The "Brain Dump": Take 10 minutes and write down everything you think you want to achieve. Don't filter it. Just get it out.
2. The Prayer Audit: Take that list to God. Ask, "Which of these are from You, and which are from my ego?" You might be surprised by what He tells you to cross off.
3. Pick Three: Don't try to change 20 things at once. Pick three main goals for this season.
4. Write the Vision: Habakkuk 2:2 says, "Write the vision and make it plain." Put your goals somewhere you can see them. Your fridge, your bathroom mirror, or your phone lock screen.
5. Find a "Running Mate": Whether it’s a spouse, a friend, or a life coach, don't do this alone. We were built for community.

Final Thoughts

Goal setting with God isn't about becoming a robot who never fails. It’s about becoming a disciple who is intentional. It’s about realizing that your life is a gift, and how you live it is your gift back to Him.

So, put down the " hustle" and pick up the "stewardship." You don't have to have it all figured out by tomorrow morning. You just need to take the next faithful step.

At Chazon Strategies, we’re here to help you figure out what that step looks like. Whether you need a life coach to help you find your "Why," or you're ready to start building that financial legacy, we've got your back. Let’s build something that lasts.

avodahdynamics.com

avodahdynamics.com