Has God ever placed something on your heart that felt too big for you- so big it seemed impossible? Maybe you sense Him calling you toward something meaningful, but fear, doubt, or limited resources make you hesitate. Perhaps you are facing a Goliath-sized challenge and cannot see your way through it.
These moments often leave us asking, What is God’s purpose for my life? Or How could He possibly use me for something this big? The Bible reminds us that when God calls us into something beyond our abilities, He also supplies His power, wisdom and presence. These are what we call God-sized goals- goals that require faith, surrender, and trust in the God of the impossible.
When our goals align with God’s plan, extraordinary things can happen-not because of who we are, but because of who He is. God-sized goals can feel overwhelming, especially when life already feels full. Yet Scripture reminds us God never calls us to something without also providing what we need to accomplish it.
The God of the Impossible
God specializes in changing our lives in big ways and has big plans for us. Is there anything too hard for Him? Consider just a few of the well-documented accounts of God’s impossible works:
~He is all-powerful; simply speaking the world into creation.
~He parted the Red Sea to let the Israelites escape the Egyptian army.
~God provided manna and quail for 40 years to 2 million people.
“With men it is impossible. But with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:36.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in God-Sized Goals
God never intended for His people to pursue impossible goals in their own strength. That’s why He gave us a Helper.
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave His disciples an amazing God-sized goal to accomplish and the power to accomplish it:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8.
These men were not notable, knowledgeable Pharisees or teachers of the law. They were fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot, and likely tradesmen and laborers.
God gave these ordinary working-class men the task of proclaiming the Gospel to the world in a time with limited transportation besides their own two feet. There were no written records to give the crowds, and the government was hostile to them and their message.
We see now that these men did their part with trust, faith, and the power of the Holy Spirit. The same holds true for us today. When you are discerning God’s direction for your life- dream big! If it aligns with God’s plan, there is nothing to stop you from reaching your goal together.
Faith Makes God-Sized Goals Possible
Jesus knew the disciples would need strong faith for their upcoming ministries. They had failed to heal a small boy and asked Jesus why this happened. He responded:
“Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth: if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20.
They needed only a tiny amount of the right faith– faith that rests fully on God instead of themselves.
What Is a God-sized Goal? (Biblical Definition)
~A God-sized goal takes us past self-reliance and into daily dependence on Him.
~It seems impossible and uncomfortable. He puts something specific on your heart or a mountain in your path, but you don’t feel you have the knowledge or skill to accomplish it.
~Takes you out of your comfort zone, forcing you to rely on God’s power and not your own.
~Matches God’s purposes and brings Him glory.
Examples of God-Sized Goals in Everyday Life
These goals can be personal or far-reaching.
~Personal goals can be spiritual: committing to reading the Bible in a year, memorizing Scripture, or deepening your prayer life.
~They can be ministry driven- starting a ministry to reach a people group God has placed on your heart or the needy in your area.
~Goals can be financial–not for self but to fund missions, ministries, or churches.
~Restoring brokenness in relationships, especially if it feels impossible, is a God-sized goal that speaks to the heart of our faith. This will require divine intervention and bring glory to God.
Bible Characters Who Trusted God with Big Goals
These stories remind us God doesn’t look for perfect people; He looks for willing hearts.
David- Though just a young shepherd, he faced Goliath with nothing more than a sling and his faith and reliance on God. His story is one of courage, trust, and believing in God’s ability to deliver.
Esther- This young Jewish girl emerged from obscurity and became queen, saving her people from genocide. She relied on God to give her spiritual strength, using preparation, fasting, and prayer. Esther’s courage helped her to move forward.
Mary, mother of Jesus- Setting aside her confusion and the social impact and danger of an unplanned pregnancy, humbles herself completely, relying on her faith in God. Mary’s obedience allows her to say “yes” to fulfilling her purpose.
How To Set God-Sized Goals According to the Bible
God-sized goals need to align with God’s plan for your life. Proverbs 16:3 instructs us to “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
This isn’t a blanket statement giving you the go-ahead for all your ideas. It is a surrender to His way, letting Him shape your goals.
~Listen to His voice when He calls.
~Trust God with your goal, doing it for Him and not for yourself. We give Him the control; asking for His help, then rely on Him for the results.
~Seek God’s wisdom through prayer.
~Go forward with courage.
Practical Steps for Aligning Your Goals with God’s Will
- Write out your goal and ask yourself if it reflects God’s desire and character. Does it serve others? Honor Him?
- Pray about your motives, ask Him what He desires. Are you motivated by love? Love for God and love for others should be our motivating source. Ask for clarity, wisdom, and guidance.
- Have faith that God can work through you to achieve the impossible. “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power within us.” Ephesians 3:20
- Create a plan. Make it specific, write out questions, what steps you need to take, and keep it God-focused.
- Think of your goal as an act of worship and service to God. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Colossians 3:23. This aligns our attitude when we become weary, overwhelmed, or feel defeated in our work.
- Be patient-“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9. Continue taking steps toward your goal, reminding yourself that God’s timing may not be our timing. Don’t let doubts or insecurities creep into your thinking. Trust God in the difficult times.
Want to put this into practice?
If God has placed a goal on your heart that feels bigger than you, this God-Sized Goals printable will help you pray, reflect, and take faith-filled steps- one at a time.
Download the God-Sized Goals printable
Bible Verses to Help with Goal Setting
Bible verses provide the foundation for our goal setting, ensuring they bring glory to God and are in line with His purpose. They provide strength when overcoming the inevitable obstacles.
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31.
“And without faith, it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11:6
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself.” Philippians 2:3.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.” Psalm 138:8.
Final Encouragement: Trusting God One Step at a Time
Working out God’s plan for your life comes with many benefits. Working on God-sized goals will stretch your faith, forcing you to rely on God, not yourself.
You will be awestruck when you see Him work out details, bring people into your life, and refine your character in ways that only this journey could produce. Working through the struggles of God-sized goals helps build your reliance on Him, endurance, and perseverance.
Challenging your faith causes it to grow and deepen. You will see your prayer life expand as you depend more on His guidance, wisdom, and strength.
If God has placed a goal on your heart that feels bigger than you, trust that He will walk with you every step of the way. All it takes to start is one faithful “yes.”
Reflection Questions
1.Is there a goal God has placed on my heart that I have been avoiding because it feels too big or uncomfortable?
2. In what ways might God be asking me to rely more fully on His strength instead of my own abilities?
3. Are my current goals aligned with God’s purposes and motivated by love for Him and others?
4. What is one small step of obedience I can take today toward a God-sized goal?
CLOSING PRAYER
A Prayer for God-Sized Goals
Lord, You see the goals and desires on my heart-both the ones I am excited about and the ones that feel overwhelming. I confess that fear and doubt sometimes hold me back from trusting You fully. Help me surrender my plans to You and to seek Your will above my own. Give me courage to go forward in faith, wisdom to listen for Your guidance, and patience to trust Your timing. I place my goals in Your hands, believing that You can do far more than I could ever ask or imagine. Amen.
Blessings!
AnnMarie
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All Scripture is taken from the New International Version unless specified otherwise.