Making Resolutions Work

Most people make some type of resolution at this time of the year. Some are small and some are a huge but many of them never see it's fulfillment. The Bible gives some great advice to help people to make good on their resolutions. It is not easy to change and it is not easy when many distractions come our way as we try to fulfill those resolutions. Jeremiah 31:17 “There is hope for your future”. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” Philippians 3:13b-14 “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Through these verses the Bible gives us some advice in dealing with the future and the changes we would like to see come into reality. A resolution is basically saying that I would like to see this change in my life. First, believe that change is possible. With God all things are possible and He has promised to be with us and to strengthen us therefore there is hope to bring about change. Without hope it is not likely one will continue to discipline themselves to make the changes necessary. We must see that the end result will be worth all the sacrifice needed within the process. That is why the apostle Paul said in Romans 8:18 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Basically saying is heaven is worth working for regardless of any sacrifice we may have to go through.

Second, work on your relationship with the Lord throughout the process. One of our tendencies as humans is that we tend to think too much of ourselves at times which often then means that we are not trusting God the way we should be trusting Him. The way forward is one of humility and dependence upon the Lord as our help and strength. The big aspect of this truth is that man's way does not always work but God's way will always work. Therefore the key in life is learning how to do life God's way rather then our way. We are encouraged over and over to have faith in God, put our trust in the Lord or to wait upon the Lord for His time is right and good. I encourage you to make your resolution and then turn to the Lord for wisdom and guidance in how to make that resolution a reality.

Third, there will be distractions. The verse in Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us to forget what is behind and keep our eyes on what is ahead. Distractions will come in many different ways and forms and our enemy will use them to get us sidetracked from the things we should be doing. A great resolution that many make is to become a healthier Christian or to serve your church more or something along that line. Satan our enemy does not want you to grow as a follower of Jesus Christ therefore he will try to get your priorities mixed up or mess with your schedule so you do not have enough time or any number of things. Here is a couple of suggestions: realize any change takes time and do not become discouraged too quickly. Continue to do what is right and you will begin to see right results. Realize that in every effort to change there is the possibility of setbacks. All is not lost because of a minor stumble. Ask God to forgive and refresh your faith and desire to do life His way. Realize the necessary to keep your eyes looking forward. This at times is the hardest thing to do what the present reality seems so overwhelming but we must remember we go the direction that our eyes are focused. Therefore do not allow anything to keep you from keeping your eyes on Jesus who is the author and completer of your faith.

Much more could be said on this topic. I encourage you examine yourself and be willing to make that resolution that will improve your life. This can result in being one of your best years of your life as you learn to follow through on the commitments that you make with the Lord.

May the peace and love of Jesus Christ overshadow your life and strengthen you throughout 2012.

In His Service
Pastor John