growing in faith – Naty Matos

As the year draws to a close, many of us begin thinking about resolutions and goals for the new year. It’s a time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we hope to go. However, as believers, our goals don’t just stem from personal desires—they are an opportunity to align our plans with God’s purpose for our lives.

Instead of focusing solely on external achievements, we can create Christ-centered goals that promote spiritual growth, strengthen our relationships, and honor God in every area of our lives. Let’s explore how to set intentional New Year goals rooted in faith.

1. Begin with Prayer

Before setting any goals, start with prayer. Ask God to guide you in reflecting on the past year and discerning His will for the year ahead. Invite Him into your planning process so your goals are aligned with His plans.

Prayer Prompts:

What lessons did God teach me this year?
Where is God calling me to grow?
How can I better serve Him and others?

Scriptural Reminder:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)

2. Reflect on Your Spiritual Journey

As you set goals, take time to evaluate your walk with Christ. Are there areas where you’d like to grow deeper in your faith? Perhaps you want to spend more time in prayer, read through the Bible, or become more active in serving others.

Consider goals that nurture your relationship with God, such as:

Establishing a daily quiet time.
Memorizing Scripture.
Joining a small group or Bible study.
Journaling prayers and answers.

Scriptural Reminder:
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)

3. Set Goals That Glorify God

When creating goals, focus on how they can bring glory to God. Whether your goals are personal, professional, or relational, they should reflect your desire to honor Him.

Examples of Christ-centered goals:

Building healthier habits to honor your body as God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Strengthening your marriage or family relationships through intentional time together.
Using your talents and skills to serve in your church or community.
Managing your finances according to biblical principles.

Scriptural Reminder:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

4. Be Specific and Measurable

God is a God of order and intentionality, and our goals should reflect that. Vague goals can leave us feeling overwhelmed, but specific, measurable objectives give us direction.

For example:

Instead of “pray more,” set a goal to “pray for 15 minutes each morning.”
Instead of “read the Bible,” aim to “read through the New Testament by June.”
Instead of “serve others,” plan to “volunteer monthly at a local shelter.”

Scriptural Reminder:
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5)

5. Balance Personal Growth with Serving Others

While self-improvement is valuable, our ultimate calling is to love and serve others. Consider setting goals that prioritize generosity, kindness, and community.

Ideas for outward-focused goals:

Start mentoring someone in your church or workplace.
Organize a monthly outreach with friends or family.
Commit to praying for specific individuals or causes each week.

Scriptural Reminder:
“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)

6. Trust God with the Outcome

While it’s important to plan, remember that God’s plans are always greater than our own. Some goals may unfold differently than expected, and that’s okay. Trusting Him means surrendering our goals to His will and being open to His redirection.

Scriptural Reminder:
“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

7. Stay Accountable and Celebrate Progress

Share your goals with trusted friends or family members who can encourage and hold you accountable. Celebrate the small victories along the way, remembering that every step of growth is worth acknowledging.

Encouragement Tip: Keep a journal to track how God works through your goals. Looking back on His faithfulness will inspire gratitude and perseverance.

Final Thoughts: A Year with Purpose

As you step into the new year, let your goals reflect your faith and trust in God. Whether big or small, each intentional step can bring you closer to Him and help you live out His purpose for your life.

Closing Scripture:
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3)

Let’s approach this new year with hope, purpose, and a heart ready to follow where God leads.

Happy 2025!

Waiting is one of life’s greatest challenges. Whether it’s waiting for a job, healing, a relationship, or clarity about the future, these seasons often feel unproductive, frustrating, and endless. Yet, the Bible reassures us that waiting is not wasted time—it’s an opportunity for growth, preparation, and deepening our faith.

God often uses these moments to shape us, strengthen us, and align us with His perfect plan. Let’s explore how we can embrace seasons of waiting with trust and purpose.

1. Biblical Examples of Waiting

The Bible is filled with stories of people who waited on God’s timing, often for years or even decades:

Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for the promised son, Isaac, after God declared they would be parents.
Joseph endured 13 years of slavery and imprisonment before rising to power in Egypt and seeing his dreams fulfilled.
Hannah prayed fervently for a child and waited until God blessed her with Samuel, who became a great prophet.

In each of these stories, God was working behind the scenes, preparing these individuals for the fulfillment of His promises. Their waiting wasn’t passive—it was an active season of faith and trust. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

2. Why Waiting Is Important

Seasons of waiting serve a purpose, even if we can’t see it in the moment. Here’s what God might be doing during this time:

Refining Your Character: Waiting can cultivate patience, humility, and perseverance.
Strengthening Your Faith: Trusting God during uncertainty deepens your relationship with Him.
Preparing You for the Next Step: Often, God uses waiting to equip us for what’s ahead, whether it’s a new role, responsibility, or blessing.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)

3. What to Do While You Wait

Instead of viewing waiting as a time of inaction, see it as an opportunity to grow and glorify God. Here are some practical steps:

Pray Continually: Use this time to draw closer to God through prayer. Share your hopes, fears, and frustrations with Him.
Serve Others: Shift your focus outward by finding ways to bless those around you. Serving can bring purpose and joy to a waiting season.
Seek Wisdom: Read Scripture, meditate on God’s promises, and seek counsel from trusted mentors or friends.
Take Small Steps: If there’s something within your control, take action. For example, if you’re waiting for a new job, update your resume or network with others.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

4. Trusting God’s Timing

One of the hardest parts of waiting is letting go of our own timelines and trusting God’s. His timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with ours.

Sometimes, what feels like a delay is actually God protecting us or preparing something far greater than we imagined. Remember, He sees the bigger picture. “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

5. Embracing Hope in the Waiting

Seasons of waiting are not void of hope. God promises that He is with us every step of the way. Even in uncertainty, we can find peace knowing that His plans are for our good.

Encouragement:

Write down God’s promises and revisit them daily.
Surround yourself with a community of believers who can pray with and encourage you.
Reflect on past seasons where God showed His faithfulness.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Final Thoughts: Waiting with Purpose

Waiting is never easy, but it is an essential part of God’s work in our lives. Instead of rushing through these seasons, let’s lean into them with faith, trusting that God’s plan is far greater than anything we could imagine.

If you find yourself in a season of waiting, know this: God is with you, He is for you, and He is working all things together for your good. Trust Him to bring beauty and purpose in His perfect time. “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)