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The Three Things You Need to Reach Your Goals
By Rick Warren

“We plan the way we want to live, but only GOD makes us able to live it.” (Proverbs 16:9 MSG)

Proverbs 16:9 says, “We plan the way we want to live, but only GOD makes us able to live it” (MSG).

You get to plan the way you want to live, but only God gives you the power and energy to actually make the transformation. Why? Because God provides the three things you must have to reach your goal and change your life.

You need God’s Spirit to empower you.

You need God’s Spirit to empower you to make changes you can’t make on your own. It’s not based on willpower; it’s based on God power. It’s not based on trying; it’s based on trusting.

Zechariah 4:6 says, “‘You will not succeed by your own strength or by your own power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD All-Powerful” (NCV).

You need God’s Word to guide you.

The Bible is the owner’s manual for life. The more you read it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it, the more successful and fulfilled you’re going to be in life.

When Joshua was given the great dream of taking over the Promised Land — a goal that was going to take him the rest of his life — God had these words to say to him: “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success” (Joshua 1:8 NASB).

You need God’s people to support you.

You will not be able to reach your goals on your own. It takes a team to fulfill a dream!

A crowd can’t support you, but a small group can. They know when you’re sick, when you’re having a tough time, when you need a break. You can share your goals and your successes and failures, and they will rejoice with you and encourage you to keep going. You’re going to need that when you make the right kind of goals and pursue them wholeheartedly.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped” (MSG).

Talk It Over

Why is it difficult for you to trust God’s Spirit to work in your life?

What do you need to do to make God’s Word a part of your daily life so that you can leverage its instruction and wisdom?

Who are the people around you, including your small group, on whom you can rely for support as you pursue your goals?