By Hannah Jones // Biblical Wisdom // EEW Magazine Online

When I was young, Grandma used to say, “Reach for the stars because anything is possible.” With those words, she made me feel like I could do anything.

As I grew up and my big dreams collided with the real world, I learned that being goal-oriented is a good thing, but it is not necessarily easy. The process of accomplishing what you have set out to do in life can sometimes be complicated, frustrating, and discouraging.

If you are experiencing frustrations as you make efforts to do bolder, bigger, and better things, here are EEW Magazine Online’s 5 tips for reaching big goals.

#1 Be a servant. “The greatest among you must be a servant.” (Matthew 23:11 NLT)

Boss chick mentality teaches us that we have arrived when we have more people serving us and doing our bidding. The Bible, on the other hand, says that greatness cannot be separated from service. Therefore, the biggest bosses serve in the greatest ways.

#2 Be patient. “Here is something else I have learned: The fastest runners and the greatest heroes don't always win races and battles.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11 CEV)

Youthful zeal led me to think that the harder I worked, the faster I’d arrive at my destination. I was intent on being my own hero and making things happen. But goals are not always achieved quickly; you must be in it for the long haul. Patience is a virtue and a fruit of the spirit.

#3 Be persistent. “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7 NLT)

Some of my earlier ventures failed because this naïve adventurer burned out too quickly. I thought I could put in the hard work and be dedicated on a parttime basis, but I know better now. In both practical and spiritual things, persistence is key. Whatever you do consistently will produce results.

#4 Be flexible. “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42b ESV)

I am the queen of vision boards because they help me visualize my goals. Yet, I understand that my vision is not always God’s vision for me, so I must be flexible and willing to surrender my plans to Him. As you aim higher and reach further toward your dreams, be open to God’s will when it differs from your desires.

#5 Be focused. “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 NIV)

Aiming for the prize “for which God called me” is different from aiming for whatever goals I feel driven toward. It’s not only important to focus on the task at hand but on the right task. Knowing which way to go requires prayer, humility, and surrender. Ask God to show you what to focus on and which goals to pursue.

Being among the big dreamers, goal-setters and go-getters is exciting. If you let Scripture guide you and the Holy Spirit order your steps, you will achieve the dreams that have been ordained by God.