When I think of September, I’m reminded of going back to school. I’d eagerly look forward to the new year — fresh notebooks, new routines — only to find the novelty wearing off after a couple of weeks.
That’s how fall often felt when I lived in Michigan. When the air turned crisp, I pulled out my favorite sweaters and marveled at the leaves’ brilliant colors. But almost as soon as it began, the trees were bare, and a long, dark winter stretched ahead.
But here’s the thing: Although the wait was long, I knew the flowers would bloom again. Yet somehow, during my season of waiting, when I should have even more confidence, I lack that expectancy that it can be any day now.
So my faith goal for this fall is to practice expectancy.
Why Faith Goals Matter
When you plan prayerfully, you position yourself to grow and to recognize His work even in the quiet seasons. Setting faith goals isn’t about earning God’s favor or checking off boxes. It’s about intentionally creating an opportunity for Him to shape your character, renew your mind, and deepen your relationship with Him.
“So that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” — 2 Timothy 3:17
3 Steps to Setting Faith Goals This Fall
1. Pray Before You Plan
As with everything, begin with prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see areas where you need to grow or be renewed. Maybe like me, you need to develop a sense of expectancy. Or maybe you need consistency with reading the Bible or applying it to your life. Maybe you need help with cultivating gratitude or extending forgiveness.
2. Choose 1–3 Focus Areas
Too many goals are unrealistic. Instead, choose one to three focus areas for the season. Examples:
- Daily time in God’s Word
- Weekly hospitality (inviting someone for coffee or a meal)
- Memorizing one passage of Scripture each month
- Serving regularly at church
3. Make It Practical & Measurable
Break your focus areas down into small steps that you can measure. Instead of “pray more,” try “pray for 10 minutes before work” or “use my commute as prayer time.” Instead of “expect God,” choose a daily declaration like: “Today I will watch for God’s goodness.”
Tools to Help You Stay on Track
Here are some simple ways to support your fall faith goals:
- A Journal or Planner – Track your progress, prayer requests, and reflections.
- Accountability Partner – Share your goals with a trusted friend for encouragement.
- Printable Worksheet – Use my free Fall Faith Goals Worksheet to map out your plan.
A Gentle Reminder
Don’t be discouraged if you miss a day or stumble along the way. God looks at your heart and delights in your desire to grow. Every small step matters and God can use even our missteps to help us grow in our likeness to Him.
This fall, as you sip your pumpkin spice latte and watch the leaves change, remember that God is changing you, too, from the inside out — equipping you for every good work.
Until next time, stay beautiful! 💛
