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Saul was the first king of Israel. While the scriptures are largely negative about his character and leadership, he did have a few admirable qualities. One of those qualities was revealed during his first battle, when he intervened to protect the inhabitants of city called Jabesh-Gilead. After hearing of their plight, Saul rallied the nation and announced that he would come to their aid. But not only did Saul announce that he would come to their aid. He also announced when he would do so. 1 Samuel 11:9 says

So Saul sent the messengers back to Jabesh-gilead to say, “We will rescue you by noontime tomorrow!” There was great joy throughout the town when that message arrived!

In this instance, Saul exemplified the importance of setting deadlines. He promised the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead that he would assist them on a specific day at a specific time, and the scriptures confirm that things unfolded precisely as planned. Had Saul maintained this kind of bold, decisive action, his life and legacy would have turned out much differently.

In 1981, George Doran first introduced the concept of SMART goals as way to enhance productivity in business settings. He argued that every objective chosen should have the following characteristics. Business goals and objectives should be

1. Specific – target a specific area for improvement.

2. Measurable – quantify or at least suggest an indicator of progress.

3. Assignable – specify who will do it.

4. Realistic – state what results can realistically be achieved, given available resources.

5. Time-related – specify when the result(s) can be achieved.

The last characteristic is probably the most important in achieving success, because it forces you to commit.

Deadlines focus your energy and inspire action.

Deadlines establish priorities and eliminate excuses.

Deadlines declare intentions and enable accountability.

Saul set a deadline—and so should you!

All of us have goals. Unfortunately, we do not always attach a due date to those aspirations. As a result they often wither and fade. But one of the best ways to stop dreaming and to start doing is to start asking yourself the question “by when?'“

I am going to lose weight. By when?

I am going to get out of debt. By when?

I am going to fix my credit. By when?

I am going to finish my degree? By when?

I am going to start praying every day. By when?

I am going to clean up my garage. By when?

Asking the “by when” question forces you to calculate the emotional, physical, and financial investment necessary to pursue an objective. It will immediately expose whether you are serious or not. But not only does setting a deadline force you to calculate, it also qualifies you for supernatural assistance.

Williams Hutchinson Murray said

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.”

Set a deadline. It will surprise how much help comes your way.