How to Faith Goals

Summary

Have you ever received a clear prompting from God—maybe to start a business, heal a relationship, or launch a ministry—and immediately felt a wave of panic? Most of us shut down when the vision is bigger than our current capacity. In this practical episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson and advisory board member Amy Johnson answer the question: How to achieve faith goals when you have no idea where to start.

We move from spiritual paralysis to empowered process by sharing a toolkit of "Warrior Hacks." Amy shares the "National Geographic Zoom" analogy, explaining why God only shows us a tiny texture of the map at a time (because if we saw the whole picture, we’d run!). We discuss the 42% Rule—why writing your goal down drastically increases your success rate—and share creative, "redneck" ways to keep your goals visible, from packing tape in the shower to lock screens. Finally, we tackle the "Dam Principle"—understanding that the adversary wants to damn (stop) your progress—and give you a specific protocol to cast out darkness when all hell breaks loose. Tune in to turn your massive download into manageable steps!

Episode Takeaways

1. Capture the Download: God’s inspiration often comes as a heavy weight in our minds. whether you are a writer or a talker, you must get it out of your head and into the physical world to process it.
2. The "Zoom" Analogy: Like those zoomed-in photos in National Geographic, God usually only shows us a tiny piece of the texture. If He showed us the full picture (the "forest"), we would be overwhelmed. Our job is to focus on the zoomed-in step, not the whole map.
3. The 42% Rule: You are 42% more likely to achieve a goal simply by writing it down. Use visual anchors like sticky notes on mirrors or phone lock screens to keep the vision in front of your face.
4. The "Dam" Principle: The word "damn" means to stop progress (like a river dam). Satan is damned (stopped), so he wants to stop your progress too. When resistance hits, it’s not a sign to quit; it’s a sign to use spiritual warfare to cast out the adversary.

Free Resource

Do you need the specific prayer protocol to stop the adversary from "damming" your progress? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It includes the "Cast Out the Adversary" page mentioned in this episode. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Reflection Questions

1. Think of a goal God has given you. If you are honest, are you trying to look at the "whole map" instead of the "zoomed-in" step?
2. How do you best process revelation? Are you a writer (journaling) or a talker (verbal processing)? Are you making space for that method?
3. Have you experienced the "Dam Principle"—where everything goes wrong just as you start to make progress? How does realizing this is an enemy tactic

Summary

In this episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, we tackle the high-stakes question: Why set faith goals when life is already a whirlwind of chaos? Host Tamara K. Anderson and advisory board member Amy Johnson explore how a single spiritual anchor can shift your entire world from merely "good" to truly "great."

If you feel constantly bombarded by the noise of the world—like you are driving down a freeway of endless distractions—this episode is for you. Amy shares the powerful "Fence Post Analogy," explaining how keeping your eye on one fixed point (Jesus) allows you to plow a straight line in every other area of your life, including your business and family. We also revisit the story of Mary and Martha, uncovering a surprising insight: the true indicator of whether you have chosen the "better part" isn't just about what you are doing, but whether you are at peace while doing it. Whether you are a "scriptorian" like Amy's mom or a "doer" like her dad, this episode reveals how faith goals act as the ultimate filter to help you discern the vital few from the trivial many. Tune in to move from frantic to focused!

Episode Takeaways

1. The Whirlwind of Distraction: We live in a world of "dizzying distractions." Faith goals act as a spiritual filter, helping us cut through the misinformation and noise to focus on what matters most.
2. The Mary & Martha Filter: The difference between Mary (sitting) and Martha (serving) wasn't just their actions; it was their internal state. Martha was anxious; Mary was at peace. If your goals don't bring you peace, it’s time to re-center.
3. The Fence Post Analogy: To plow a straight row, a farmer must keep his eye on a fixed fence post at the end of the field. If you keep your eye on Jesus (your fence post), every other "row" in your life (health, finances, family) will naturally straighten out.
4. Good is the Enemy of Great: Drawing from the book Good to Great, we learn that settling for a "good" life often keeps us from the "great" life God has for us. Faith goals help us choose the great part.

FREE Resource

Ready to find your "Fence Post" and stop the spiritual dizziness? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It includes the "Sacred Brainstorm" worksheet to help you filter out the noise and hear God's voice. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Reflection Questions

1. Do you feel more like Mary (at peace) or Martha (distracted) in your daily life right now? What does that tell you about your current goals?
2. What is the “Whirlwind” in your life (social media, news, busyness) that makes you feel most dizzy? How can a faith goal act as a filter for that specific distraction?
3. Visualize your life as a field. If Jesus is the “Fence Post” at the end, are your current rows (habits/choices) lining up with Him, or are they crooked?

Summary

Are you exhausted trying to achieve big things in your own strength? Do you feel like you are just one setback away from giving up entirely? In this empowering episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson and advisory board member Amy Johnson answer the foundational question: What are faith goals?

We move beyond simple positive thinking to explore the unstoppable power of a life anchored in Jesus Christ. Amy breaks down the definition of faith found in Hebrews 11:1—describing it not as a wish, but as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." We discuss the "Parent Lens," revealing why God is rooting for your progress more than your perfection, and why faith without Jesus is just "worldly hustle" that leads to burnout. If you are ready to shift from self-confidence (which fluctuates) to divine confidence (which is steady), this episode will show you the "line upon line" secret to building spiritual muscle in the gym of life. Tune in to solve the pain of feeling unqualified and start stepping into the things God is calling you to do.

Episode Takeaways

1. Faith is Confidence: Based on Hebrews 11:1, a faith goal isn't a wish; it is an action taken with confidence and assurance in God. Faith goals build your capacity to trust what you cannot yet see.
2. The Parent Lens: Just as a parent cheers when a child takes a wobbly first step, God cheers for your growth. He isn't looking for immediate perfection; He is looking for increased capacity.
3. Worldly Hustle vs. Faith: Amy warns that faith without Jesus Christ is just "worldly hustle" and is spiritually dead. True faith goals rely on His strength, not just your willpower, preventing the glory from going to self.
4. The Gym Analogy: Spiritual growth happens "line upon line." You don't start bench-pressing 200 lbs; you start where you are. Every time you obey God's small prompting, you build the spiritual muscle to handle the next "heavier" assignment.

Free Resource

Ready to stop guessing and start hearing? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It includes the "Sacred Brainstorm" worksheet to help you ask God exactly what your next faith goal should be. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Reflection Questions

1. When you set a goal, is your confidence anchored in your own ability (Self-Confidence) or in God’s promise (Divine Confidence)?
2. Do you view God as a critic waiting for you to fail, or a parent cheering for your first steps? How does the "Parent Lens" change your fear of failure?
3. Are you currently trapped in "worldly hustle"—trying to manifest results without yoking yourself to Jesus?
4. What is the "next hard thing" God is asking you to lift in the spiritual gym...

Summary

Have you ever wondered why you are supposed to set goals? Is there a real spiritual reason, or should you just float along with the current and see where God takes you? In this episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson and advisory board member Sandy Falter tackle the foundational question: Why is it important to set goals in life?

We explore the concept of "Spiritual Atrophy"—the dangerous reality that doing nothing doesn't mean staying the same; it means declining. Sandy explains the life-changing concept of "The Gap and The Gain," teaching us how to measure our growth against where we started rather than where we aren't, which protects us from discouragement. We also dive deep into the Parable of the Talents, revealing why God values your effort over your outcome and how setting "toddler-sized" goals is the secret to building adult-sized spiritual confidence. If you have been feeling stuck in limbo or afraid to move forward, this episode will show you how goals are actually the training ground for your soul's ultimate purpose: preparing to meet God.

Episode Takeaways

1. Spiritual Atrophy: Just like muscles, your spirit does not stay static. If you do nothing, you atrophy. Goals are the resistance training required to keep your spirit growing and progressing.
2. The Gap vs. The Gain: Frustration comes from measuring yourself against the ideal (The Gap). Gratitude and confidence come from measuring yourself against where you started (The Gain). Look back to see God's hand in how far you've come.
3. The Parable of the Talents: God gives gifts "according to ability." He isn't judging you against the person with five talents; He is only looking at how you stewarded the one or two He gave you. Comparison kills stewardship.
4. Toddler Confidence: Just as a toddler builds confidence by taking shaky first steps, we build spiritual confidence by setting small goals and achieving them. God isn't disappointed when you stumble; He is cheering that you are trying to walk.

FREE Resource

Ready to stop floating and start growing? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It includes the "Sacred Brainstorm" worksheet to help you identify the specific talent God wants you to develop next. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Reflection Questions

1. Are you currently "floating" in any area of your life? If so, have you noticed signs of "spiritual atrophy" or decline in that area?
2. When you look at your goals, do you focus on the "Gap" (how far you have to go) or the "Gain" (how far you've come)? How can you shift that perspective today?
3. Read the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25). Have you ever buried a talent because you were afraid it wasn't as "big" as someone else's?
4. What is one "toddler-sized" goal you can set this week to...

Summary

Have you ever felt like a juggler in the game of life? Every time you get your career on track, your health drops. Or you feel super connected to your family, only to realize your spiritual life has withered. We are told we need "balance," but trying to give 100% to everything at once is a recipe for total exhaustion. In this episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson and advisory board member Jerusha Smith answer the question: How to set goals in all areas of life?

We move from the paralysis of trying to do it all to the power of the "Next Right Step." We explore the biblical blueprint for holistic growth found in Luke 2:52—Jesus increased in wisdom (mental), stature (physical), favor with God (spiritual), and favor with man (social). Jerusha shares a game-changing perspective on "balance"—explaining why standing still on two feet is balanced but gets you nowhere, while walking requires constantly shifting your weight to move forward. Plus, we reveal the "Faith Speak" hack: speaking your goals in the past tense (like God did with Gideon) to activate your faith before the battle even begins. Tune in to find your rhythm and stop apologizing for being in motion!

Episode Takeaways

1. The Luke 2:52 Framework: Jesus grew holistically in four areas: Wisdom (Mental), Stature (Physical), Favor with God (Spiritual), and Favor with Man (Social). Use these four categories to set a balanced roadmap for your life.
2. The Walking Metaphor: True balance isn't standing still on two feet; that gets you nowhere. Progress (walking) requires shifting your weight from one foot to the other. Stop apologizing for focusing on one area at a time—that is how you move forward!
3. The Stewardship of Self-Care: Tamara shares a hard lesson learned from bronchitis: "If Tamara takes care of herself, she can help other people." Even Jesus took naps. Rest isn't a luxury; it's a divine requirement for sustainable service.
4. Faith Speak: God told Gideon, "I have delivered them into your hand," before the battle even started. Speak your goals in the past tense ("I am so grateful I finished my book") to pull your future into your present reality.

Resources

Ready to map out your own Luke 2:52 plan? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It features worksheets specifically designed to help you identify your goals for this season in all four key areas. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Need accountability? Check out our Women Warriors Accountability Group for free for two weeks! https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/join-now

Reflection Questions

1. Look at the Luke 2:52 categories (Mental, Physical, Spiritual, Social). Which one is currently "dropping" while you juggle the others?
2. Are you trying to "stand still" to achieve balance, or are you willing to "walk" by shifting your focus seasonally?

Summary

Do you ever feel like you are going through the religious motions—checking off the prayer and scripture boxes—but still feel buried by the weight of the world? If you treat your spiritual habits like chores, you might be missing the point entirely. In this deep and moving episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson and advisory board member Amy Johnson ask the fundamental question: What is the goal of spirituality?

We strip away the checklist to reveal the "why" behind the worship. Amy shares a raw, honest perspective on how spiritual connection is her survival mechanism against the mountains of depression and emotional exhaustion. We explore the "Pendulum Principle," explaining why deep sorrow is actually a prerequisite for deep joy, and how to find God in the "still, small voice" amidst a noisy life. Amy also shares a tender personal story of how a moment of silence during a sunrise drive allowed her to hear a prompting that changed the end of her father's life. If you are ready to move from religious exhaustion to a life-giving relationship with God, this episode will help you find the silence you need to hear Him.

Episode Takeaways

1. The Ultimate Goal: According to John 17:3, the goal of spirituality isn't just to be "good"; it is to know God and Jesus Christ. As we know them, we naturally want to become like them.
2. Moving Mountains of Depression: Amy shares that her "what's in it for me" is survival. Spirituality is the tool she uses to protect herself from being "buried emotionally" by the world. It provides the power to move the mountains of mental health struggles.
3. The Pendulum Principle: Your capacity for sorrow digs the well for your capacity for joy. If you are swinging deep into grief or hardship, remember that the pendulum will swing back just as far into joy.
4. The Power of Stillness: We live in a noisy world. Amy’s story of turning off the radio to watch a sunrise proves that silence is often the only way to hear the critical promptings that guide us to where we need to be (like making it home for her father’s passing).

FREE Resource

Are you ready to find the silence you need to hear God's voice? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It includes the "Sacred Brainstorm" to help you reorient yourself to the Light. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Reflection Questions

1. Be honest: Is your current spiritual life a checklist or a lifeline? How does viewing it as "survival" against the world change your motivation?
2. Think of a time you experienced deep sorrow. Did you eventually experience a "swing" back to deep joy (The Pendulum Principle)?
3. When was the last time you drove your car in total silence? What might God be trying to say to you in the stillness?
4. Read John 17:3. Do you feel like you know God, or do you just...

Summary

Have you ever set a spiritual goal so massive that you felt silly even trying to work towards it? Maybe you feel like Moses standing at the edge of the Red Sea, wondering how on earth you are going to take the next step. In this episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson and advisory board member Amy Johnson answer the critical question: How to achieve spiritual goals that are bigger than your own capacity.

We move from the vision of goals to the victory of goals by exploring the "Magnification Principle"—how God takes your "pony-sized" effort and turns it into "Clydesdale-sized" momentum. Amy shares a powerful story about winning a hairdryer that illustrates the biblical truth that "what you think about, you bring about." We also discuss how to yoke yourself to the Savior (who specializes in the impossible), why being "unequally yoked" with Him is actually your greatest advantage, and the touching story of how angels—both earthly and heavenly—carry us when we can't walk on our own. Plus, discover the "Light List" strategy to cast out the adversary when weariness sets in. Tune in to learn how to stop striving and start surrendering to the Light!

Episode Takeaways

1. The Magnification Principle: Jesus acts as a magnifying glass. When you place your small, imperfect efforts in His hands, He magnifies them into something far greater than you could achieve on your own.
2. Help Thou My Unbelief: Sometimes we don't need more faith; we just need help with our unbelief. Like the father in Mark 9, admitting "I'm too little for this" is the first step to receiving God's power.
3. Unequally Yoked Advantage: Tamara describes feeling like a small pony yoked to a Clydesdale (Jesus). While we are unequally yoked in strength, that is the point—He carries the weight so we can move forward.
4. The Light List: When the adversary attacks with weariness or doubt, don't focus on the darkness. Create a pre-planned "Light List" (e.g., singing, being outside, coloring) to immediately turn your focus back to God and invite angels in.

Resources

Ready to stop walking alone and start achieving your goals with heavenly support? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It includes the "Warrior Hacks" mentioned in this episode to help you stay yoked to Him. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Need accountability? Check out our Women Warriors Accountability Group for free for two weeks! https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/join-now

Reflection Questions

1. What is one "Red Sea" goal in your life right now where you need to stop looking back at the problem and start looking up at the solution?
2. Do you have a "Light List"? What are 3 simple activities (like singing or walking) that immediately help you feel God's light when darkness creeps in?
3. How does...

Do you feel like your goal-setting process is a long, uphill battle? Most of us set resolutions based on what we think we should do, only to run out of steam by February because we are relying on our own willpower. In this episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson and guest Amy Johnson answer the fundamental question: How to set goals as a Christian?

We move beyond standard productivity advice to offer a 5-step roadmap that shifts you from self-reliance to divine partnership. Amy shares why the very first goal you set should simply be learning how God speaks to you personally. We discuss the "Glass Darkly" principle (1 Corinthians 13) and how God sees your capacity more clearly than you do. Plus, we share practical "Warrior Hacks" like the 46% writing rule, the power of "I AM" statements to change your identity, and the secret weapon of calling on Consistency Angels when things get hard. Tune in to solve the pain of goal fatigue and start working on the right thing at the right time.

1. The First Goal: Before you set a massive life goal, set a goal to figure out how God talks to you. Does He speak in feelings, intuition, or peace? You can't follow His map if you can't hear His voice.
2. The "Glass Darkly" Principle: We often overestimate or underestimate ourselves. God sees us "face to face"—He knows exactly what we need to tackle and what we are actually capable of handling right now. Ask Him for the reality check.
3. The 46% Rule: You are 46% more likely to achieve a goal if you simply write it down. Keep a journal next to you during prayer to capture inspiration the moment it comes.
4. Consistency Angels: You don't have to do it alone. Tamara shares how she prays for specific angels—like "Technology Angels" or "Consistency Angels"—to help her through the areas where she struggles most.
5. "I AM" Statements: By using present-tense affirmations (e.g., "I am a peacemaker"), you pair your identity with the great "I AM" (Christ), physically and spiritually rewiring your behavior.

Ready to apply these steps? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It includes the "Sacred Brainstorm" and "Sunday Stewardship" templates to keep you on track. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Need accountability? Check out our Women Warriors Accountability Group for free for two weeks! https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/join-now

1. If you had to describe how God speaks to you (peace, thoughts, feelings), what would you say? If you don't know, will you make that your first goal?
2. What is one "I AM" statement you need to write on your mirror or phone lock screen this week? (e.g., "I am...