Dream Big, Plan Boldly: How to Set Spiritual Goals and Trust God Completely

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Proverbs 29:18 KJV

Many of us go through life reacting to circumstances rather than pursuing a clear direction. We might have vague aspirations, but without understanding our deeper spiritual needs, we end up drifting—flailing without purpose instead of running with intention.

This was my reality during my final semester of college. I was about to get a degree in kinesiology, and I had a loose idea about becoming an athletic trainer, but I had no real plan. Beneath the surface, I was overwhelmed and afraid of the future, so I avoided thinking about it. When I finally faced reality, I realized my career path required years of additional schooling, unpaid internships, and a commitment I wasn’t sure I wanted to make. I felt lost — not just in my career, but in my sense of purpose.

That’s when some trusted mentors sat me down with the Bible and helped me ask deeper questions—not just “What job should I get?”, but “Why did God put me here?” They helped me reflect on what I was meant to contribute to the world and what spiritual desires I had.

Through the Scriptures and conversation, I saw that I had a natural strength in finance, and I recognized deeper desires: to serve God, help people, and build a future with my longtime girlfriend. At the same time, I got a job opportunity in finance. I chose to take it, and it brought me down a path greater than I could have imagined in my career, relationships, and family. 

Living with purpose

Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air [just shadow boxing].

1 Corinthians 9:26 AMP

The Bible makes it clear: God doesn’t want us to live aimlessly. He calls us to examine our lives, recognize where we are spiritually lacking, and trust him as we set goals that align with his purpose (Romans 12:2). If we are not intentional, we will simply react to life rather than grow through it. 

So, ask yourself: Are you running toward something, or just running? The way forward starts with recognizing where God is leading you—and having the courage to follow.

Scriptures for reflection

1. Let God teach you how to think.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2 NIV

We can only discern God’s will when we let him influence the way we think. That’s what my friends helped me do as I graduated. I needed help thinking spiritually rather than floating along the path I simply thought I was supposed to take. 

So, brothers and sisters, be careful that none of you has the evil thoughts that cause so much doubt that you stop following the living God. [13] But encourage each other every day, while you still have something called “today.” Help each other so that none of you will be fooled by sin and become too hard to change.

Hebrews 3:12-13 ERV

The daily encouragement of spiritual friends is something we all need if we want to dream big and plan boldly. Left to ourselves, it’s hard to overcome the doubtful thoughts that eventually stop us from following God’s plans for our lives. If we want to let God transform the way we think and embrace a life of big dreams, we need to invite the influence and encouragement of spiritual friends into our lives.

Are you surrounding yourself with friends who will tell you truth, inspire you, and point you back to the Bible?

Another way to let God transform the way we think is by believing and following the Bible rather than the world’s wisdom about our life decisions. The wisdom the world offers is fickle and fleeting (see 1 John 2:15-17 to learn more about what the world offers), while the Bible provides a foundation we can build on (see Luke 6:47-49 to see the result of building on the Bible). 

What influences your thinking about your goals? Is it the wisdom of the world, or is it spiritual wisdom of the Bible? 

2. Let God guide your plans.

A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Proverbs 16:9 BSB

Our plans reflect our hearts. When fear, control, or worldly desires drive us, our goals follow suit. This can manifest itself in many different ways:

• Choosing the comfortable path over the faithful path.
• Making decisions based on fear instead of trust.
• Clinging to personal plans or ambitions instead of seeking God’s vision.
• Choosing a path based on peer pressure or people-pleasing.

God’s plans are bigger than ours. Trusting him means praying, searching Scripture, and surrendering control. When we commit our plans to him, he leads us to success (Proverbs 16:3).

Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. 

Proverbs 16:3 NLT

Are your plans shaped by trust in God—or by fear and self-reliance?

3. Stay focused on the right goals.

Keep your head up, your eyes straight ahead, and your focus fixed on what is in front of you. [26] Take care you don’t stray from the straight path, the way of truth, and you will safely reach the end of your road.

Proverbs 4:25-26 Voice

Distractions keep us from reaching our God-given purpose. They can come in the form of:

• Fear that pulls us away from bold faith.
• People-pleasing that derails our decisions.
• Wasting time on things that don’t move us closer to God.

Jesus stayed focused despite pressure, expectations, temptation, and adversity (Luke 13:31-32, Hebrews 12:2). If we want to follow his example, we must learn to say “no” to distractions so we can say “yes” to the life God is calling us to live.

What’s one distraction you need to stop chasing so you can fully pursue God’s purpose?

4. Make goals for God, not for people.

Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

Galatians 1:10 NLT

When we are planning our lives, we need to be aware of the human temptation to please people and win their approval rather than searching for God’s approval. We need to be honest about our true motives when we are making goals for our lives because sometimes we are pursuing validation from people rather than pursuing our purpose. 

The trouble with pursuing the approval of people is that it’s temporary and fickle (Matthew 6:1-4). People’s approval comes and goes based on their emotions and experiences. It traps us in fear (Proverbs 29:25). It’s not something we should build our lives on, and God wants to give us an eternal purpose and destiny much greater than temporary applause. 

As you think about the goals for your life, what temptations do you have to win the approval of people? How do you think God can set you free from that temptation? 

5. Track your progress with perseverance.

Practice and work hard on these things; be absorbed in them [completely occupied in your ministry], so that your progress will be evident to all.

1 Timothy 4:15 AMP

Spiritual growth isn’t instant—it’s built through small, consistent steps. The path to God’s purpose often includes obstacles, setbacks, and moments of doubt. That’s why it’s more important to focus on our progress than our perfection. 

“If you get one percent better each day for one year, you’ll end up thirty-seven times better by the time you’re done.”

James Clear, Atomic Habits

Even 1% of growth each day—one more prayer, one more act of faith—can lead to lasting transformation.

What’s one small step you can take today to make progress on your spiritual goals?

Resources for purposeful planning

Here are practical tips and resources to help you strengthen your goal-setting and planning skills on your spiritual journey. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a great starting point to guide you in the right direction.

1. Start with prayer and reflection – Before setting goals, take time to pray and reflect on what God is calling you to focus on. Pray about the purpose of your life and why you have the unique strengths and experiences you have. Think big-picture rather than survival.
2. Use a proven goal-setting framework – Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals can help bring clarity and direction.
3. Write it down and track progress – Studies show that writing down your goals increases the likelihood of achieving them. Use a journal, planner, or goal-tracking app.
4. Stay focused and overcome distractions – Avoid multitasking and saying “yes” to everything. Prioritize what moves you toward God’s plan for your life.
5. Find accountability and support – Surround yourself with people who encourage and challenge you to think spiritually and stay on track. Regular check-ins with a mentor or spiritual friend can help (for more on building spiritual relationships, check out The Power of Relationships).
6. Be flexible and trust God’s timing – Plans may change, and setbacks will happen. Stay open to God’s guidance, and trust that he is leading you where you need to go.