A New Year always bursts with resolutions. People make promises and vows they will or will not do. What makes a person carry through or abandon their goals? Is there a different way to set goals for change and growth?
In my life change became growth when I surrendered my heart to God first and allowed His love, grace, and mercy to transform me from the inside out. God molded me over the years through prayer, worship music, and His Word. God is my wisdom and strength, but I have to go through the motions. It’s like having all the ingredients sitting on the counter to whip up a batch of chocolate chip cookies and yet being unwilling to do the work. Through a constant personal relationship with Christ and pressing on, my internal evolution brings external improvements in my thoughts, actions, and character.
I confess I’ve made resolutions in the past years only to abandon them, so this year I decided I would pray about one word to live my life by for the whole year to promote new growth. I will focus on my heart motive and attitude rather than a specific action. This year my word is “determined” and my sentence is “I am determined to shine bright for Christ.” My word will act as a compass in my thoughts, words, and deeds. I pray I never stop growing or striving to change to be an excellent daughter of God.
Hebrews 12:1, 2
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
I challenge you to find a word for your life this year and put it into a sentence by which you can measure your thoughts, words, and deeds to help you grow. Embrace your opportunity to wake up and start anew.
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