Not on My Own
The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. Isaiah 58:11 (NLT)
I do not make new year’s resolutions because I have an unsuccessful history of keeping them. There is nothing worse than seeing January 15th roll around and the failure felt after breaking every single resolve. For me, it is much safer to set realistic goals. I seem to handle them better. But I can identify with Jeanette Levellie (Mornings with Jesus) and how she has changed her approach to daily living.
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Decades ago, I read that people who write out their goals are forty-two-times more likely to achieve them than those who don’t. So, I went crazy—making and writing down lifetime goals, bucket list dreams, and yearly and monthly objectives. I tacked the lists to my bedroom wall where I saw them often. Some goals are impressively spiritual: learn to meditate, talk to God constantly, memorize Psalm 37. Others seem earthier: exercise five times a week, declutter my office, find a pair of orange pants like the ones I lost on vacation (you don’t want to know).
I’ve achieved many of those goals. But I haven’t succeeded by my own wimpy willpower or my puny pea brain. Every item on my list that has a red check mark beside it became a reality because of the power of Jesus Christ in me.
When I gave my life to Jesus, He in return gave me His Spirit—the Holy Spirit, who guides and helps me continuously. He’s the One who gives me writing and preaching ideas. He helps me say no to sweets and gossip. He pokes my conscience when I’m thinking mean thoughts.
He hasn’t brought me those orange pants yet, but I’m not giving up!
FAITH STEP: Write down five goals. Now ask Jesus for the power of His Holy Spirit to help you achieve them.
Gracious Lord, we praise You for gifting us with this new year. There are times when we try to do everything without You. Please forgive us of our egos. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that works in each of us. Please help us make goals that are part of Your agenda. AMEN.