The 5 Steps of Setting Writing Goals with God

The 5 Steps of Setting Writing Goals with God

by Crystal Storms

 

“To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ”

(2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, ESV).

 

I believe God has called me to write and share his message, so I must rely on him for inspiration and creative ideas. Faith brings me hope that he’ll accomplish good through my writing. His grace enables me to complete the things he prompts me to do. But I’ve also found the need to set goals with him so I have the discipline to follow through on his purposes for me.

 

Before we set writing goals with God, it helps to consider three types of goals that shape the assignment he’s given to us.

 

Habit Goals

 

I get so sidetracked by social media and email that I run out of time to write. So I’m developing the weekday habit of writing each morning for a specific amount of time before checking my inbox or social media.

 

Identity Goals

 

Actors act. Bakers bake. Chefs cook. And writers write. Once we’re confident in our identity, we also need to submit our work so others can read it.

 

Outcome Goals

 

These may include completing a book or book proposal, publishing a blog series, sending queries to agents or publishers, as well as submitting a certain number of articles a week or a month.

 

Habit, identity, and outcome goals support setting goals with God.

 

The Five Steps of Setting Writing Goals with God

 

Pray. None of us wants to finish a project only to discover it wasn’t God’s best for us. Seek God’s direction before beginning.

 

Prepare yourself to obey. Our writing journeys differ, because our callings are as unique as the paths God leads us to take. Prepare your heart, feet, and fingers to follow him.

 

Plan how you will follow the Lord’s direction. Habit and identity goals enable you to follow God’s lead.

 

Proceed. Once you have your plan, tune into God’s whisper, and compose or edit.

 

Pray. We start with prayer, we’re sustained by prayer, and we proceed in prayer.

 

As Christian writers, our identities stem from Christ. His power strengthens us for the good work he has called us to do for his glory.

 

 

Lord, give me the desire to obey your lead. Strengthen my trust in your path for me. Thank you for your grace that enables me to complete the task you called me to. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

 

With a heart to encourage, Crystal Storms writes with the purpose of drawing women’s hearts to God. She is a Jesus girl, award-winning author, and artist. Married to her best friend for twenty-three years, Tim and Crystal live in Florida with their sweet Yorkie, Minnie. Learn more at CrystalStorms.me.