As tradition goes, a new year equals resolutions, yet making them is easy and following through is often never. But because resolutions are really about making a change to be a better version of ourselves, let’s stick to what’s realistic. We may have goals and plans for 2010 but it’s nothing like having to trust God with it. That is where the danger lies. To help you see what we mean, we’ve broken it down to a few resolutions and dangers.
Resolution #1: Stop talking about that brilliant idea; make it happen.
The danger of trusting God: You won’t be afraid to fail. You won’t just sit there, you will go out and meet new people and build contacts. You will also share your ideas and put it into action. It’s not always comfortable, but you’ll know that God has got your back. He will make things happen for you — even when you don’t see it.
Resolution #2: Help others more.
The danger of trusting God: He will remind you. Period. You will be serious about enriching someone’s life. You will give and you will be burdened for a cause. But you will love. And it’s almost guaranteed that your heart will be broken for the needy.
Resolution #3: Learn to say “Yes”.
The danger of trusting God: You will do more than the year before and you will be stretched, but something in you comes alive because He is in all that you do. Being alive can be quite dangerous.
Resolution #4: Learn to say “No”.
The danger of trusting God: You will not compromise your standards and principles. You might not pass your first driving exam without paying the bribe and you might have to go through the hassle of paying the full sum of a traffic summon, but it makes you a better driver and citizen.
Resolution #5: Exercise!
The danger of trusting god: You will stand before the mirror and still not be satisfied with what you see, but you will learn to see what God sees when He looks at you. But you will keep exercising because it brings you joy and you’ll be more disciplined. You are being healthy because you have much ahead of you. His promises for you propel you forward to stay fit for it.
The uncertainty of the future may be unsettling for some and mysteriously exciting for others yet these two ends of the spectrum hinge on God — on knowing He is in control and above all, trusting God is worth it even if it means to live counter-culturally. As Zig Ziglar says, “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.”
Here’s to a great 2010! |
