Unlock God's Plan for Your 2026 Goals Now!
As we step into 2026 here at First Baptist Church Mascoutah, I can't help but reflect on those fresh starts we all crave. Remember last year when you set out to read through the Bible in a year? Started strong, but by March, life got busy with work and family. Sound familiar? Whether you're a longtime believer, someone exploring faith, or part of our church near Scott AFB, setting goals can feel exciting yet overwhelming. But what if we approached them through a biblical lens? Drawing from God's Word, let's explore how to start 2026 strong—not by our strength, but by His grace.
Seeking God's Wisdom in Goal-Setting
First things first: before we jot down resolutions, let's turn to the Lord for direction. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." This verse has been a cornerstone for me in pastoral ministry. It's easy to chase goals based on what the world says—more money, better health, bigger achievements. But as a Southern Baptist church in Mascoutah, we believe the Bible is our ultimate authority. When we seek God's wisdom through prayer and Scripture, our goals align with His purposes. Imagine starting your day with a quiet moment, asking, "Lord, what do You want for me this year?" It's transformative. For our families, including those connected to Lighthouse Preschool Mascoutah, this means teaching our kids early to rely on God, fostering faith-based growth right here in our community.
Aligning Goals with God's Will
Once we've sought His wisdom, it's time to set goals that honor Him. Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV) encourages us: "But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Paul isn't talking about gym memberships or career ladders; he's pointing to eternal priorities. At First Baptist Church Mascoutah, we emphasize salvation by grace through faith, so our goals should reflect growing in Christ. Maybe yours include deepening relationships, serving others, or sharing the Gospel. For military families at our church near Scott Air Force Base, this could mean goals around resilience during deployments or building community through our ConneXion Bible study groups in Mascoutah. Keep it simple—start with one or two specific, measurable goals, like reading a devotional daily or volunteering at our community meals. Remember, it's not about perfection; it's about progress in His grace.
Persevering Through Challenges with Faith
Goals aren't achieved without hurdles, right? James 1:2-4 (ESV) offers hope: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Trials build endurance, just as they do in our faith journeys. I've seen this in our church family—parents at Lighthouse Preschool Mascoutah navigating busy schedules, or service members facing uncertainties near Scott AFB. The key is perseverance rooted in prayer and community. Don't go it alone; lean on the priesthood of all believers, where every one of us can encourage each other. When setbacks come, revisit your "why"—is it for God's glory? This biblical mindset turns obstacles into opportunities for growth.
Practical Steps to Live It Out
To make this real, here's a simple guide to setting and achieving goals biblically. Use these as prayer prompts or discussion starters in your family or small group:
Pray and Discern: Spend 10 minutes daily asking God to reveal His goals for you. Journal one verse that speaks to your heart.
Write Them Down: List 2-3 goals aligned with Scripture, like "Grow in faith by joining a ConneXion group" or "Serve others through baptism preparation at our Baptist church in Mascoutah, IL."
Track and Adjust: Review progress weekly, celebrating small wins. If needed, adjust with grace—remember, God's mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV).
Seek Accountability: Share your goals with a trusted friend and for families, involve the kids.
Involve the Church: Plug into events like our community meals or explore believer's baptism to mark your commitment.
These steps aren't a formula but a framework to draw us closer to Jesus.
As we launch into 2026, let's commit to goals that glorify God and strengthen our bonds as a church family. You're not alone—His grace is sufficient, and our doors at First Baptist Church Mascoutah are always open. Join us for worship at 10:45 AM on Sundays, where we are committed to helping families find and follow Jesus. Whether you're seeking a military-friendly church near Scott AFB or a faith-based preschool in Mascoutah, we'd love to welcome you. Take a moment now: Reflect on one goal, pray over it, and step forward in faith. God bless you abundantly this year!
