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So we are 10 days into the new year and already I’ve heard friends and family talk about abandoning a few of their goals and plans. You know the NEW goals and plans that were so important to them 10 days ago, or 30 days ago–whenever it was they made the decision to make them a priority.
I don’t want them to give up. In fact, I keep thinking about all of the opportunities awaiting them. There’s so much potential in what they’re working for and what they can achieve.
But in reality we all know it’s easy to get discouraged. In fact, 60% of people abandon their New Year resolutions. Often it’s because we want instantaneous results with minimal work. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Except we don’t learn much from the process and the goals are not achieved.
But Galatians 6:9 tells us, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” God’s word makes it very clear to keep our eye on the goal and to be totally commited to what He has for us.
One of my close friends shared with me a couple of days ago that she needed encouragement to stay committed to healthy eating and portion control. She said it would be so easy just to go back to status quo. But she knew she would be healthier, have more stamina and feel better if she followed through. I encouraged her to take it one day at a time and rest assured that I have her covered in prayer and encouragement.
This is the same friend who is totally committed to her bible study and has made it a habit to breathe in the word of God on a daily basis. Her faithfulness is firm and is second nature for her. It took time carving out a niche of time, but she did it. She’s an encouragement to all in her path as we each pursue our alone time with our Heavenly Father. So I know she can meet her goals head on if she totally commits to what’s before her.
New resolutions always give us something to work for and to aspire to, but do we use that same diligence as we pursue to know Christ better?
That’s one of my personal goals–to consistently find 30 minutes each day to spend studying the bible and verse map the books and chapters I work through. I could have been vague when I wrote this goal, but I decided it was more important to attach some specifics to the goal. I know 30 minutes doesn’t sound like much time, but more often 30 minutes translates into an hour or more, and the point is I can measure what I’m working on.
Think about your own goals and resolutions. Is your focus right? I hope so. Don’t give in or give up. Maybe you re-adjust or tweak your goals, but keep moving forward.
As one of my favorite authors, Bruce Van Horn, says, “Don’t just muddle through life. Live intentionally with goals and dreams and a plan to succeed.”
I’ll be praying for you this week as you meet your goals and dreams head on so you can have all that God wants for you.
Mitzi
this is really good – and exactly what I needed!!!!