Two weeks into my doctoral program, I was ready to quit. The workload was overwhelming, and I wondered if I had made a huge mistake. But one simple decision, to stop overthinking and just keep moving, changed everything.

Three and a half grueling years later, after juggling work, family, church, and school, I finally walked across the stage in my Doctoral regalia. In this post, I share five lessons from my PhD journey that can help you finish your own God-sized goals. That moment was more than just the completion of a degree. It was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream and the result of countless lessons learned along the way.

Here are five things I discovered that helped me cross the finish line.

---

1. Write. Review. Submit.

When I realized there were no refunds after the first class, I had to change my strategy. Instead of trying to master every detail, I chose to “water ski” through the program rather than deep dive.

I adopted a rhythm: write a first draft, give it a quick review, and then submit it. No obsessing, no over-editing. Just keep the momentum going.

To my surprise, not only did my grades improve, but I also engaged more deeply with the material. Proverbs 16:3 (NLT) says, “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” That verse became the foundation for my approach.

---

2. You Can’t Do It Alone

A doctoral program may look like a solo journey, but the truth is you need support. Research shows that family, friends, and peers play a crucial role in whether part-time students finish.

I sat down with my wife and asked, “How can we do this together?” I had similar conversations with my team at SermonView. Their support was essential. If you want to succeed in a big goal, invite others to walk the road with you.

---

3. Consistency Over Intensity

Life got in the way more than once—company changes, Covid, and other interruptions. What I learned is that consistency is more powerful than intensity.

Liberty University offered 8-week subterms, and had I taken one class each term, I could have finished sooner without doubling up later. Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) reminds us, “Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Staying consistent, even when I felt tired, was an act of faith and discipline.

---

4. The Dissertation is a Series of Sprints

I thought writing a dissertation would be a marathon, but it turned out to be a series of sprints. Write the proposal. Sprint. Collect data. Sprint. Analyze and write. Sprint. Then wait.

It often felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel—until suddenly, there was. One day, it was done. Isaiah 40:31 (NLT) became real to me during that time: “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.” Each sprint required renewed strength, and God was faithful to provide it.

---

5. Celebrate the Win

After my dissertation defense, my committee called me “Dr. Witzel” for the first time. In that moment, I realized how many people had walked this journey with me. My acknowledgments listed 178 people who supported me.

I had not planned on attending graduation, but I am glad I did. Walking across the stage in my regalia made the achievement real.

---

Final Thoughts

Pastor, you may feel like you’re grinding it out in the dark right now, unsure if there’s a finish line in sight. But hear this: God is still working. You are building an eternal legacy, and the seeds you’re planting today will bear fruit in due season. So keep going. Keep learning. Keep growing. God is doing something amazing both in you and through you. I love you guys! I’m cheering for you! We’ll see you next time.

Was this helpful?
Subscribe to the Ministry Insights from SermonView podcast and leave a comment below. Or email us directly at podcast@sermonview.com.