You Have a Partner
According to an YouGov poll, approximately 1 in 4 Americans makes at least one New Year’s (NY) resolution. Psychnewsdaily.com reviewed a new study that found, 64 percent of people abandon their NY’s resolutions within the first month of the year. People frequently resolve the same yearly undertakings, diet or exercise. Some look at their challenges as all or nothing. Either they conquer the entire challenge or they abort the plan; feeling guilty they become disheartened.
One solution to the problem: take baby steps and never stop reaching for your goal. Often, we strive for perfection and make a goal that is considerably larger than the time or energy we can expend. We do not give ourselves permission to tweak our goals. Ought we share our goals with others, we succumb to embarrassment if asked of our progress. A better approach might be to keep our goals private; only share our aspirations with our Heavenly Father. Consider that He always wants to help us. Make prayer the first step to change. Ask for His direction when setting new goals, NY’s resolutions or otherwise.
Matthew 6:33 (NIV) “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” This connects to my previous thoughts about free will and our Heavenly Father taking control of our lives. Surrendering our will; along with trust, dependance and reliance on His Grace, which is unmerited favor, then yes we submit to His control. Even when catastrophic events happen, He will turn those harmful and tearful events into blessings.
Further, In John 16:33 (NIV)Jesus sums up all He had expressed to His disciples, advising them to take courage in spite of the inevitable struggles they will face. He reminds them that they are not alone. Jesus does not abandon us in our struggles. The ultimate victory has been won through His death, burial and resurrection. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have trouble, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Even though the enemy, also known as satin, still roams this earth seeking whom he may devoir, he is in no way more powerful than our God. God has given His children power over the adversary. But we, as His children have to embrace the will of God for our lives and accept that power we have been given. This is why saying God is in control is complicated.
I have said this before, our God is a gentleman. As Jesus’ followers, He will not force us to utilize the power we have within. It is our choice. The way of this world is to take control of our lives. We are not perceived as powerful unless we take control, master of our lives. People begin endeavors, then subsequently invite God as a participant. I would argue this is a misrepresentation of real power. Real power is within, as believers in Jesus, we accept God’s Spirit to reside within us. We ask His Spirit to guide, direct and control of our daily lives. 1 John 4:4, (MSG) “My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory…, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world.”
We can hear His Spirit communicating with us. Followers of Christ communicate with God by many different methods. In cultivating a relationship with Him, you will know how to hear Him best. Exercise and dietary changes are basic challenges, however many are defeated. Basically, because we are trying to make these changes without God’s help.
One of my favorite scriptures, and I am paraphrasing, God even makes our mistakes to prosper. No one is above mistakes. Trust Him. He will turn our ashes into beauty. Isiah 61:3 (MSG) “To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit. Rename them ‘Oaks of Righteousness’ planted by God to display His glory.”
Therefore, we are not alone and no challenge is too great. We have God on our side; we thrive and He is exalted.